According to the latest reports, Stellantis and Leapmotor have abandoned their plans to produce the B10 electric crossover at the plant in Tychy, Poland. This decision comes amid growing tensions between the EU and China over tariffs on electric cars.
The joint venture is now exploring alternative production sites, including Stellantis' plants in Eisenach, Germany, and Trnava, Slovakia. The move is believed to be in response to the Chinese government's pressure on automakers to halt significant investment in European countries that support tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
The B10, a key model in Leapmotor's global expansion plans, was originally slated for production in Poland. However, the geopolitical situation and the changing commercial environment necessitated a reassessment of the production strategy.
While the exact reasons for the shift in production plans aren't entirely clear, it's likely a combination of factors, including cost considerations and geopolitical tensions. The potential impact on the Pacific plant and its workforce remains uncertain.