Leapmotor Debuts Lafa5 at IAA 2025 Munich Show, Shares Global Strategy
Leapmotor held a press conference at the IAA 2025 Munich International Motor Show, premiering its all-new model Lafa5 and opening blind pre-orders. Post-conference, Founder & CEO Zhu Jiangming, Executive Director Cao Li, and Vice President Zhou Ying joined a media interview, sharing key insights on overseas expansion, product plans, and more.
I. Overseas Focus: 2 Core Pillars & 6-7 Models by Next Year
Zhu Jiangming stressed products and sales as critical for overseas success. Since its 2022 Munich Show debut, Leapmotor has spent three years on EU certification, localized R&D (software/hardware tweaks), and user demand collection—key for European market entry.
Overseas expansion is a long-term strategy, Zhu noted: “A carmaker must go global; otherwise, it has no future.” The EV sales threshold will exceed fuel vehicles’ 4 million-unit annual mark, but Chinese firms face trade barriers and tech outflow restrictions. With a 2-year product-to-market cycle, Leapmotor will accelerate overseas launches “like boiling dumplings,” aiming for 6-7 models overseas next year—focused on small A/B/C-segment commuter cars for Europe.
Supported by Stellantis Group, Leapmotor now has 1,700 overseas outlets (surpassing its <1,000 domestic ones) and expects to hit 50,000-60,000 2025 overseas sales. Next year, both domestic and overseas sales will at least double. Cao Li added its Spanish factory is adapting production lines to mass-produce the high-demand B10 model in 2026, with Leapmotor focusing on direct local operations (not general agents) for long-term market deepening.
II. Lafa5: Enhanced Quality, Practical Ultra Version
Cao Li highlighted Lafa5’s upgrades vs. Leapmotor’s B-series: sloped exterior with frameless doors, and distinct interior colors/materials. The Lafa5 Ultra will have exclusive paint, exterior kits, and slight power/handling tweaks—but no extreme performance focus: “EVs already have strong acceleration; dual motors for small cars are unnecessary for daily use.”
On ADAS, Leapmotor will stick to independent R&D: near-L3 level in China by 2026, and optimized basic L2 (e.g., highway scenarios) overseas. Target users differ too—40-50 years old in Europe (more personal/rental use) vs. 25-30 in China (young professionals/small families). Local adaptations include mandatory fabric seats and stiffer, sportier chassis for Europe; the Lafa5’s space even exceeds Toyota Camry’s.
III. Lafa5: A “Personalized Volume Model”
Cao Li clarified the “Lafa” series falls under Leapmotor’s A/B/C/D product framework (covering 70k-300k yuan). While Lafa5 is slightly sporty and personalized, it remains a volume-focused model (not niche), with more Lafa-series models in the pipeline. Its edge lies in Leapmotor’s electrification/intelligence strengths, plus Europe-tailored mechanical tuning (handled/sportiness) from its global development start.
IV. Stellantis Backing: Logistics & Channels
Zhu Jiangming said domestic dealers may join Leapmotor’s overseas sales only in Southeast Asia (limited scope). Its strong German sales stem from local preference and Stellantis’ Opel 渠道 (matching Leapmotor’s price/user base). Cao Li added Stellantis’ logistics network eases shipping pressure amid fast overseas sales growth.
V. R&D Efficiency & Sales Goals
Leapmotor develops global models via shared platforms (only minor tweaks for left/right-hand drive or EU standards) to save resources. Overseas sales, led by Stellantis (51% stake in Leapmotor International), prioritize volume over short-term profits. Long-term, with a 4 million-unit annual sales target, Leapmotor aims for a 50:50 domestic-overseas split (eventually overseas > domestic).
VI. 100k Monthly Sales by 2026
Zhu Jiangming said 100k monthly sales is unlikely in 2025 but possible in 2026. Growth will rely on better brand/reputation and a wider portfolio—including future A-series and D-series (above 200k yuan) models.
VII. Competing with “Absolute Strength”
Zhu noted competition (e.g., Shangjie in the 200k-yuan segment) is inevitable. Leapmotor’s B/C-series face “countless rivals,” so “absolute product competitiveness” is key. He added firms must balance sales and pricing, with market mechanisms regulating the “intense competition” in China.