Stellantis Eyes Europe Leapmotor Battery Tech Tie-Up, Targets Year-End Deal
Stellantis is negotiating expansion of its Leapmotor joint venture to deploy Chinese battery and EV powertrain tech across Fiat, Opel and Peugeot in Europe, aiming for a deal this year while meeting US import restrictions. Meanwhile, Banco Santander trimmed its stake by 11.3% to 9.5M shares.
1. Stellantis Explores Expanded Leapmotor Tech Partnership
Stellantis is assessing expansion of its 15% Leapmotor joint venture to license battery and EV powertrain systems for European mass-market brands including Fiat, Opel and Peugeot. Talks are preliminary with the partners targeting an agreement within the year, while addressing Chinese data-protection concerns and US import bans on connected vehicles from 2027.
2. Banco Santander Cuts Stellantis Stake
Banco Santander reduced its position in Stellantis by selling 1,213,518 shares, lowering its holdings to 9,525,584 shares and a 0.8% portfolio weight. The move coincides with Stellantis reporting €22.33 billion in net losses last year driven by €25.4 billion in strategic-reset charges, underscoring investor caution.