Malaysia has taken another step toward becoming a regional electric vehicle production hub as Stellantis officially commences local assembly of Leapmotor electric vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah.
The launch marks a significant milestone for both Stellantis and Malaysia’s automotive industry, with the Leapmotor C10 becoming the first model to roll off the local assembly line. The company also confirmed that the Leapmotor B10 is expected to enter production before the end of 2026, expanding the brand’s presence in the Southeast Asian market.
Stellantis Expands EV Manufacturing Investment in Malaysia
To support the localization of Leapmotor vehicle production, Stellantis invested approximately EUR 2.23 million in assembly development and production readiness at the Gurun plant. The automaker has additionally allocated EUR 3.1 million for future upgrades, including manufacturing infrastructure improvements and production line enhancements.
These investments reflect Stellantis’ broader strategy to strengthen its manufacturing footprint in ASEAN while supporting the region’s transition toward electric mobility.
According to Isaac Yeo, Managing Director of Stellantis ASEAN, the start of local assembly operations demonstrates the company’s confidence in Malaysia’s manufacturing capabilities and reinforces the country’s role within Stellantis’ Asia-Pacific expansion plans.
Malaysia Positioned as a Future Regional EV Hub
Initially, production from the Gurun facility will serve domestic demand in Malaysia. However, Stellantis is evaluating opportunities to export locally assembled Leapmotor vehicles to neighboring ASEAN markets in the future.
If implemented, regional exports could further elevate Malaysia’s position within Southeast Asia’s growing electric vehicle supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem.
Workforce Development Supports Advanced EV Production
As part of the production rollout, Stellantis has invested heavily in workforce training. Technical teams and assembly personnel have completed specialized programs covering Leapmotor vehicle platforms, software systems, and advanced electric vehicle technologies.
Employees are now certified to safely manage high-voltage EV systems operating at up to 800 volts, helping develop local expertise in next-generation automotive manufacturing.
Global Quality Standards Applied to Malaysian Production
Stellantis and Leapmotor have implemented a standardized quality assurance and compliance framework to ensure vehicles assembled in Malaysia meet international production standards.
The Gurun facility successfully completed extensive validation and certification processes, receiving approval from Stellantis quality teams as well as relevant Malaysian and international regulatory bodies.
Outlook for ASEAN Electric Vehicle Manufacturing
The commencement of Leapmotor EV assembly highlights the accelerating growth of Malaysia’s electric vehicle sector. Supported by continued investment, skilled workforce development, and an expanding vehicle portfolio, Stellantis is strengthening its manufacturing capabilities while contributing to the broader adoption of electric mobility across ASEAN.
As regional demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, Malaysia is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic destination for EV production and innovation in Southeast Asia.