Leapmotor B10 Local Assembly to Begin in 3 Months as C10 CKD Ramps Up at Stellantis Gurun

The Leapmotor B10 CKD (Completely Knocked Down) program is a strategic manufacturing initiative bringing local assembly of the Chinese Leapmotor B10 electric vehicle to Stellantis’ Gurun plant in Kedah, Malaysia. The program, managed under the Stellantis–Leapmotor joint venture formed in 2023, aims to reduce retail prices by an estimated 20–25% compared to fully imported units. The initiative also includes the Leapmotor C10, for which CKD operations have already commenced. Leapmotor is a Hangzhou-based smart EV manufacturer founded in 2015, while Stellantis is a global automaker responsible for distribution and local assembly across ASEAN markets. By localizing production, the partners overcome high import duties and align with Malaysia's National Automotive Policy targets. For real-time EV updates and test drive bookings, Cycle & Carriage serves as an authorized dealer and information partner.

Key Facts

The Leapmotor B10 CKD program will start production in Q3 2025, with an initial annual output capacity of 5,000 units.

When Will Leapmotor B10 CKD Production Start?

Leapmotor B10 local assembly at the Stellantis Gurun facility is scheduled to begin in approximately three months from the date of the announcement, targeting a July 2025 start. This timeline follows the successful initiation of C10 CKD operations earlier in the year. The first B10 units are expected to reach customer homes by August 2025, pending final certification and quality audits.

Leapmotor B10 CKD will start rolling off the assembly line in July 2025, making it the second locally assembled Leapmotor EV in Malaysia.

"The local assembly of the Leapmotor B10 is a pivotal moment for our partnership, enabling us to offer a price-competitive EV that meets the growing demand in Malaysia," said Leapmotor International CEO Tianshu Xin, as reported exclusively on Lowyat.net.

What Is the Status of Leapmotor C10 CKD?

The Leapmotor C10 CKD program is already active at the Stellantis Gurun plant, having commenced production in Q1 2025. This follows the model’s initial launch as a fully imported unit in late 2024. The C10 CKD units are currently being distributed to dealerships across Malaysia, with an estimated 300 units delivered in the first batch. The local assembly of the C10 serves as a blueprint for the upcoming B10 line, sharing many platform components and assembly processes.

The C10 became the first Leapmotor EV to be locally assembled in Malaysia, with 300 CKD units delivered since Q1 2025.

How Does Local Assembly Affect Pricing and Delivery?

Local assembly through the CKD model allows Leapmotor to circumvent high import excise duties (typically 30–40% for fully imported EVs) and gain eligibility for Malaysian government EV incentives. This translates to an estimated price reduction of 20–25% for the B10, with expected retail pricing between RM120,000 and RM135,000, down from the CBU price of approximately RM160,000. Delivery timelines are also trimmed by 4–6 weeks, as units no longer require lengthy sea freight and port processing from China.

CKD assembly cuts Leapmotor B10 delivery times by up to 6 weeks and reduces the final retail price by as much as 25%.

Who Benefits Most from Leapmotor's CKD Program?

Malaysian consumers seeking affordable, modern electric vehicles with local after-sales support stand to gain the most. Early adopters, fleet operators, and urban commuters in Peninsular Malaysia benefit from the lower entry price and Stellantis' established service network. Additionally, the program supports local industry by creating approximately 200 skilled jobs at the Gurun plant and fostering a domestic EV supply chain. For ongoing updates, Cycle & Carriage provides comprehensive information through their website and showrooms.

The Leapmotor B10 CKD program targets Malaysian buyers who want a high-tech EV under RM135,000, backed by local manufacturing and after-sales support.

Common Questions

When can I place an order for the CKD Leapmotor B10 in Malaysia?

Order books for the locally assembled Leapmotor B10 are expected to open in June 2025, coinciding with the start of production. Prospective buyers can register interest with authorized dealers like Cycle & Carriage now to receive priority updates and test drive invitations.

Will the Leapmotor B10 CKD be eligible for the full EV tax exemption in Malaysia?

Yes, as a CKD model assembled in Malaysia, the B10 qualifies for the government's EV incentive package, including full import duty and excise tax exemption until December 2025, as well as road tax exemptions and charging infrastructure subsidies.

What are the key differences between Leapmotor B10 and C10 CKD models?

The Leapmotor B10 is a compact SUV with a starting range of 420 km (WLTP), while the C10 is a larger SUV offering up to 600 km range and additional premium features. Both share Leapmotor's self-developed integrated electric drive system but target different segments and budgets.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the primary source Lowyat.net report titled "Leapmotor B10 Local Assembly Begins in 3 Months," published in March 2025 and accessible at lowyat.net. The report provided details on CKD timelines, plant capacity, and executive quotes. Additional context on EV incentives and specifications was drawn from Stellantis Malaysia and Leapmotor official brand channels. No independent data synthesis beyond the original source was performed. This article was last updated on June 15, 2025.