Gasgoo Munich- Leapmotor has reached a new milestone in its international expansion strategy with the start of local assembly operations for its C10 SUV in Malaysia. Production has officially commenced at the Gurun plant in Kedah state, marking the company's latest step toward establishing an overseas manufacturing footprint and strengthening its position in the Southeast Asian market.
Image source: Leapmotor
The announcement of localized C10 production was made alongside the launch of a new distribution partnership with Cycle & Carriage, one of Malaysia's established automotive retail groups. Together, the two developments underscore Leapmotor's efforts to build both manufacturing and sales capabilities in the country. Supported by Stellantis' local production expertise and Cycle & Carriage's extensive dealership network, the automaker is laying the groundwork for a broader and more sustainable presence in Malaysia's fast-growing new energy vehicle sector.
The C10 has been positioned as a cornerstone of Leapmotor's Southeast Asian strategy. Equipped with the company's electric powertrain technologies and intelligent cockpit features, the model has already gained traction among Malaysian consumers. Local assembly is expected to shorten delivery lead times, improve supply chain efficiency, and reduce production-related costs, enhancing the vehicle's competitiveness while allowing the company to respond more effectively to local market demand.
Image source: Leapmotor
Through the global partnership framework linking Leapmotor and Stellantis, the Gurun facility operates with established vehicle manufacturing processes and stringent quality-control standards designed to support large-scale production. The plant's role is expected to expand beyond the C10, with plans calling for the future localization of the B10 model as Leapmotor broadens its product portfolio across Southeast Asia.
While continuing to strengthen its position in China, Leapmotor has been accelerating its global expansion efforts. The launch of localized production in Malaysia represents a significant shift in the company's overseas strategy—from exporting finished vehicles to building an integrated business model that combines local manufacturing with localized distribution and customer support. Leveraging its international partnerships, the automaker aims to further expand its overseas production, sales, and service networks, bringing Chinese-developed electric mobility technologies to a wider range of global markets and advancing its ambitions as an international automotive brand.
