VAUXHALL ANNOUNCES NEW C-SEGMENT SUV IN EUROPE, FIRST MODEL OF THE INTENDED EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP WITH LEAPMOTOR

• Opel-Vauxhall as a pioneer: New vehicle expected to be the first product arising from the contemplated expanded partnership
• Designed and created by Opel-Vauxhall in Rüsselsheim, Germany
• Made at the Corsa plant in Zaragoza, Spain
• Development time of less than two years

Shortly before Stellantis' Investor Day 2026, Opel-Vauxhall unveiled a key project under development in its model strategy: a completely new, all-electric SUV in the important and highly competitive C-segment that would extend the current line-up. With Stellantis and Leapmotor contemplating an expansion of their partnership, the new vehicle is intended to serve as a blueprint for efficient global collaboration. Simultaneously, it enables Vauxhall and its European sister brand, Opel, to take a major strategic step forward in terms of electrification and scaling in the shortest possible time, with sales of the newcomer expected to start as early as 2028. The new Vauxhall C-SUV is expected to be on sale alongside the current SUV range, consisting of the Grandland, Frontera, and Mokka.

"The SUV would be is designed and created by us at Opel-Vauxhall in Rüsselsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. The partnership with Leapmotor should enable a development time of less than two years. With this, Opel-Vauxhall is planning a further important step in the development of state-of-the-art and accessible electric vehicles for our customers," said Opel-Vauxhall CEO Florian Huettl.

The new vehicle would be expected to use core components of the latest Leapmotor electric architecture and battery technology, combined with Vauxhall’s signature design, on-board experience, chassis engineering as well as lighting and seating technology.

The newcomer would benefit from the efficient Stellantis production network in Europe and its production in Zaragoza, Spain, alongside the Vauxhall Corsa, which is under evaluation. The Spanish plant has been the home of Vauxhall’s B-segment icon since 1982.

“With this project, Opel-Vauxhall would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed,” said Xavier Chéreau, Chairman of the Opel-Vauxhall supervisory board and Stellantis Chief Human Resources & Sustainability Officer. “This innovative spirit defines the next chapter of our global collaboration with Leapmotor and Opel-Vauxhall is taking on a pioneering role with this project." The cooperation would strengthen Vauxhall's role as a key driver of value and electrification.

The parties are currently progressing feasibility studies and pre-development work under existing arrangements and are continuing discussions toward potential broader industrial cooperation as described herein, subject to the execution of definitive agreements and customary approvals.

ENDS

ABOUT VAUXHALL MOTORS

Vauxhall Motors started making cars in the UK in 1903. Today, as the oldest and most familiar of Britain’s automotive manufacturers, its philosophy is to build vehicles that are relevant to all and offer design, high levels of equipment and technology, and electrification at an attainable level. Vauxhall is one of few automotive brands to produce electric vehicles in Britain at its manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port – the UK’s first electric-only manufacturing plant where the Combo Electric van is made.  Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain campaign raises the profile of the need for more on-street electric vehicle charging so that everyone can benefit from the switch to electric.  Find out more at www.electricstreets.co.uk 

Vauxhall is proud to be the official automotive partner of Team GB. The partnership sees Britain's most loved sports team and one of Britain’s most recognisable automotive brands joining forces, with Vauxhall supporting athletes as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Vauxhall is part of Stellantis NV, a global leader created for the new era of sustainable mobility as a result of the merger between Groupe PSA and FCA Group in January 2021. Vauxhall is a leader in electrification – as of 2021, it was one of the first manufacturers to offer fully electric versions of all its vans. Since the end of 2024, Vauxhall has offered a fully electric version of every model in its car and van line-up. Info: www.vauxhall.co.uk