Vauxhall to launch Skoda Elroq rivalling SUV co-developed and built by Leapmotor

Vauxhall has confirmed it will release a C-segment SUV co-developed and manufactured by Chinese start-up Leapmotor in early 2028.

Still unnamed, the car promises to adopt a name from Vauxhall’s history books and will measure around 4.5 metres long, positioning it above the Frontera and the Mokka but beneath the Grandland in Vauxhall’s range of electric-only SUVs.

Stellantis, which fully owns Vauxhall and holds a 51% stake in Leapmotor, confirmed that the upcoming car will use core components from Leapmotor’s latest electric architecture and battery technology.

What’s the idea behind the Vauxhall/Leapmotor SUV?

Meanwhile, Vauxhall will be responsible for its design, chassis development, lighting, and seating technology. The tie-up between Vauxhall and Leapmotor is to enable the Anglo-German brand “to take a major strategic step forward in terms of electrification and scaling in the shortest time possible”.

In mainland Europe, the car will be badged as an Opel, the German sister brand to Vauxhall.

Speaking ahead of Stellantis Investor Day on May 21 2026, Opel-Vauxhall CEO, Florian Huettl, said: “The SUV would be 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.”

The newcomer will be built at the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, Spain, which currently builds the Vauxhall/Opel Corsa Electric and its siblings, the Peugeot e-208, and the Lancia Ypsilon Elettrica.

Xavier Chéreau, the chairman of the Opel-Vauxhall advisory board, added: “With this project, Opel-Vauxhall would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed.

“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 bigger picture for parent company Stellantis

The tie-up between Vauxhall and Leapmotor is part of a wider Stellantis strategy to increase its share of the European EV market. By using off-the-shelf electric and battery tech from Leapmotor and leveraging its European supply chain network, Stellantis will be able to bring new all-electric models more quickly and at a more affordable price point than before.

Stellantis CEO, Antonio Filosa, described it as a “win-win” situation.

“This plan to expand our successful partnership with Leapmotor, a trusted peer and one of the fastest-growing, most respected new energy vehicle producers globally, is a true win-win for both of us,” he said.

“It is expected to support production and advance localisation in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs. Today’s announcement reflects our intent to deepen our partnership and take one more step towards even greater collaborations in the future.”

Zhu Jiangming, Leapmotor founder and CEO, went on to comment: “Leapmotor’s leading-edge technologies, combined with Stellantis’ global reach, deep regional roots and much-loved automotive brands, would make this a uniquely powerful partnership.

“Our joint venture, Leapmotor International, has quickly shown its benefits for both partners and, in less than three years, has seen us launch our brand on five continents and significantly grow our international reach and reputation.”