Alexandre
On February 14, 2025, a surprise meeting took place on the other side of the world, on the premises of Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor, with a distinguished guest: Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari. Although the precise details of the discussion between Vigna and Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming are not yet known, the visit has not failed to spark speculation about potential collaborations between the two automotive giants.
Leapmotor, a company founded in 2015 and a pioneer in the field of electric vehicles, has rapidly established itself as one of China's new automotive forces. In 2024, the brand recorded impressive results, with 293,724 vehicles sold, marking growth of 104 % on the previous year. Its flagship model, the Leapmotor T03, was a real success, thanks in particular to its competitiveness in terms of price and performance. This company, now in full global expansion, even entered into a strategic partnership with Stellantis in May 2024, strengthening its presence in Europe, the Middle East and several other regions. We would also like to remind you that Stellantis is 20 % shareholder in Leapmotor.
But why would Ferrari be interested in Leapmotor? There are several indications that Vigna's visit may be aimed at learning about Leapmotor's electrification technologies and infrastructure, which could play a key role in Ferrari's ambitions. In October 2025, the famous Italian brand will unveil its first electric 100% vehicle.This is a crucial step for a manufacturer that dominates the luxury car market with its internal combustion engine models. So why not take a closer look at the infrastructure of Leapmotor, a company with proven experience in the production of electric vehicles?
Electrification is now a must for all the big names in the automotive industry, especially on the Chinese market, and Ferrari is no exception. However, the brand from Maranello is faced with a dilemma: continue to rely on its exceptional combustion engines, or embrace electrification. Leapmotor, although still a relatively young brand, has already proved its worth in this sector.
Leapmotor's financial results are also a point of interest for Ferrari. Despite its young age, Leapmotor has achieved profitability, becoming one of the few Chinese players to succeed in this field. In 2024, the company recorded a positive net profit for the fourth quarter, marking a turning point in its history. This demonstrates the efficiency of its business model and the effectiveness of its in-house research, particularly in the development of advanced battery and electric drive systems. These assets could be of interest to Ferrari.
Of course you can, Nothing has been officially announced about a future collaboration between Ferrari and Leapmotor. However, Ferrari's recent actions and Leapmotor's outstanding performance on the Chinese and international markets point to the possibility of a partnership. One thing is certain: Benedetto Vigna's surprise visit to Leapmotor is more than just a courtesy meeting.
