Vauxhall has revealed plans to introduce a new electric SUV within the next two years, leaning on a deeper collaboration between parent firm Stellantis and Chinese carmaker Leapmotor.

The family SUV newcomer will sit between the Frontera and Grandland, and is also slated to bring back a classic Vauxhall nameplate for an electric revival.

The new vehicle is expected to be the first product under the firms’ potential partnership expansion and will be developed by international teams located in Germany and China, blending Chinese technology with European design and production.

The new SUV, which will be badged Opel in Europe, is expected to use core components of the latest Leapmotor electric architecture and battery technology, combined with Vauxhall’s signature design, on-board experience, chassis engineering as well as lighting and seating technology.

The collaboration will also significantly slash the time to market. Standard vehicle development typically takes four to seven years, but Vauxhall is reckoning on a development time of less than two years.

Under the plans, the new model would be built at the Stellantis Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, which has been used to produce the Vauxhall Corsa since 1982 and also produces the Peugeot 208 and the Lancia Ypsilon.

Xavier Chéreau, chairman of the Opel-Vauxhall supervisory board, said: “With this project, Opel-Vauxhall would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed. This innovative spirit defines the next chapter of our global collaboration with Leapmotor and Opel-Vauxhall is taking on a pioneering role with this project.”

The new model forms part of plans between Stellantis and Leapmotor to take their strategic partnership “to the next level”.

In October 2023, Stellantis became the single largest shareholder of Leapmotor by acquiring an approximately 21% stake. At the same time, Leapmotor International was launched as a 51% Stellantis / 49% Leapmotor joint venture with exclusive rights for the sale and manufacturing of Leapmotor products outside Greater China.

Under the new plans, the parties are assessing the addition of a new line to manufacture Opel and Vauxhall’s all-new electric SUV, at Stellantis’ Figueruelas plant. Leapmotor would also bring production of its B10 model to the plant, potentially starting as early as 2026.

Other areas under consideration include cooperation in the area of purchasing through Leapmotor International, tapping into the Chinese New Energy Vehicle ecosystem to boost price competitiveness while using European supply chains to speed up production and improve resilience.

Finally, in a move to reinforce significantly the future of the Stellantis Villaverde, Madrid plant, the intended expansion may include the allocation of a new Leapmotor vehicle to the plant, including potential timing from the first half of 2028; particularly relevant in light of the planned end of production of the Citroën C4 at this site. At the same time, the plant’s ownership is under discussion for potential transfer to Leapmotor International’s  Spanish subsidiary.

Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO, said the plans were a “true win-win”.

“It is expected to support production and advance localisation in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs.”