The electric vehicle battlefield in Europe just got more interesting. Stellantis, the automotive giant behind brands like Jeep and Peugeot, is making bold claims about beating Chinese competitor BYD in Germany’s EV market through its partnership with Leapmotor.
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The Power Move: Leapmotor’s Rapid Rise
Here’s what’s catching everyone’s attention: Leapmotor, Stellantis’ Chinese partner, outsold BYD on electric vehicles in Germany last month, according to Florian Huettl, Stellantis’ top executive in the country.
The strategy behind this success? Pure speed and smart infrastructure. Stellantis integrated Leapmotor into its existing dealer network with full backing from Stellantis infrastructure including warranties and financial services. That means instant credibility for a brand most Europeans had never heard of.
The Numbers Behind the Story:
| Brand | German Dealers | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Leapmotor | ~120 dealerships | Outsold BYD in EVs (October) |
| Stellantis brands | 1,000+ dealerships | Full network support |
| BYD | Limited network | Still leading year-to-date |
But Wait—Who’s Really Winning?
Before we crown a champion, let’s pump the brakes. BYD is still well ahead of Leapmotor on overall sales in Germany and in EV sales through October this year, according to German transport authority data. This was just one month where Leapmotor edged ahead.
Think of it like a marathon runner winning a single mile—impressive, but the race isn’t over.
Why This Battle Matters
This rivalry runs deeper than sales charts. BYD has hired several former Stellantis executives, including former UK boss Maria Grazia Davino and Italy sales VP Alessandro Grosso. Talk about knowing your enemy from the inside.
The stakes? Meeting stringent EU emissions targets. Leapmotor sales are helping Stellantis meet European Union targets on reducing CO2 fleet emissions, which is critical as traditional automakers scramble to avoid massive penalties.
The Chinese Invasion Continues
Both companies are part of a larger trend. Chinese automakers combined registered more than 24,100 units of BEVs in Europe in November 2024, placing them just behind Tesla. Leapmotor itself saw explosive growth of 296% during this period.
What Happens Next?
BYD isn’t backing down. The company plans to reach six times its previous year’s German sales, according to regional director Davino. Meanwhile, Stellantis is racing to expand Leapmotor’s footprint before competitors catch up.
For European car buyers, this competition means one thing: better prices, more choices, and aggressive innovation as legacy automakers fight to protect their home turf from Chinese disruption.
The Bottom Line:
Stellantis landed a symbolic punch by beating BYD for one month in Germany’s EV segment. But with BYD’s deeper pockets, aggressive expansion plans, and poached Stellantis talent, this fight is just getting started. The real winners? European consumers watching two giants duke it out with increasingly affordable electric vehicles.
