Opel is preparing to take a decisive step in its electrification journey with the development of a new all-electric SUV in the C-segment, a category that remains fiercely competitive across Europe.
The project, unveiled as part of Opel’s evolving model strategy, is intended to extend the brand’s line-up while showcasing the benefits of global collaboration.
The SUV will be designed in Rüsselsheim and developed jointly by teams in Germany and China, with Leapmotor’s advanced electric architecture and battery technology forming the backbone of the newcomer. Opel will contribute its hallmark design language, chassis engineering, and interior innovations, ensuring the vehicle reflects both German precision and international innovation.
Production is under evaluation at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain, already home to the Opel Corsa since 1982. Opel CEO Florian Huettl emphasised that the partnership with Leapmotor could reduce development time to less than two years, enabling sales to begin as early as 2028.
Xavier Chéreau, Chairman of the Opel supervisory board, described the initiative as a fusion of German engineering excellence with global technological speed. The cooperation strengthens Opel’s role as a driver of electrification within Stellantis, with feasibility studies and pre-development work already under way.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
