The Stellantis factory in Zaragoza has resumed operations after a longer-than-usual summer. The workforce, comprising nearly 5.000 employees, is returning to the assembly lines with a significant development: the recently renovated Line 2 will house the assembly of the Leapmotor B10, the first vehicle from the Chinese brand to be produced in Europe . The initial units, still in the pre-production phase, will be used to train operators and fine-tune processes, while the official series launch is scheduled for mid-October.
The arrival of this model not only marks a milestone for the Aragonese plant, but also a boost for local employment. Four hundred new hires have already been made, and this number is expected to increase by another 100 in the coming months, reaching a total of 500 new jobs . According to the works council, this industrial investment has a positive impact on the entire supply chain and the regional economy.
A vehicle with extended range technology
The B10 is a compact SUV that uses a propulsion system called 'Ultra Hybrid' by the brand, although it's actually an extended-range electric vehicle . A 1.5-liter gasoline engine acts as a generator to charge the battery when it's depleted, while rear-wheel drive is provided by a 215 hp (160 kW) electric motor with 240 Nm of torque. The 18.8 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery allows for a range of up to 98 kilometers in all-electric mode. Combined with the electric motor, the total claimed range reaches 990 kilometers, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing long journeys.
Inside, the minimalist design stands out, featuring a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 12-speaker sound system, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, and heated and ventilated front seats. Safety is ensured with seven airbags and 17 driver assistance features , including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.
Employment and industrial development in Aragon
The production of the B10 in Figueruelas is not an isolated event. The battery gigafactory being built next to the plant, comprising some 32 industrial buildings, will further enhance the electric mobility hub. The arrival of Leapmotor, backed by its alliance with Stellantis since 2023 (with an investment of €1.500 billion), has been hailed as "good news" by industry experts. Although China leads the supply chain, local production of an electrified model strengthens the competitiveness of the European automotive industry.
The president of the works council, Rubén Alonso, stated that the project is "promising" for the plant and for the automotive industry as a whole in Aragon, as it increases the workload for supplier companies. Furthermore, the Aragon electric vehicle association highlights that electric vehicles have evolved and that their purchase price is approaching that of combustion engine vehicles, which could boost demand. However, they point out that electric vehicles are not a perfect solution and require more planning, although they are cost-effective for daily commutes of 50 to 100 kilometers.
The European market, the brand's target
Leapmotor, founded in Hangzhou in 2015, began its international expansion through an alliance with Stellantis. The company plans to achieve a 2% market share in the passenger car segment , and its portfolio will expand with new models in the coming years. In Europe, the B10 is the first step ; its production in Figueruelas is strategic for supplying the regional market and reducing logistics costs. Sales figures in other markets, such as Mexico, have been positive, and the model is expected to be similarly well-received in Europe.
In short, the start of Leapmotor B10 production at the Stellantis plant in Figueruelas marks a turning point for the Aragonese facility. With 500 associated jobs, the addition of an electrified vehicle with a total range of 990 kilometers , and the backing of an international alliance, the project reinforces Zaragoza's position as an industrial hub. The first production cars will arrive in October, and everything indicates that the B10 will be a key player in electric mobility in Spain and Europe.
