Stellantis is betting on partnerships with Chinese automakers Leapmotor and Dongfeng to revive underused production capacity in Europe, even as major competitor Volkswagen prepares to shutter four of its own factories. The move signals a strategic shift to offset declining demand and rising costs by leveraging new models and joint ventures. With European manufacturing facing pressure from shifting market dynamics, Stellantis’ approach contrasts sharply with Volkswagen’s more aggressive downsizing. The decision could reshape the continent’s automotive landscape as automakers race to adapt to evolving consumer and economic challenges.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa says Leapmotor and Dongfeng models, and new products will fill idle European plants, even as rival VW moves to close four factories.
