The Leapmotor B10 is one of the brand’s current models, but it has not been announced as a product of the collaboration with FAW. Archive image. Photo: Carboratory

Leapmotor and FAW Group expand their partnership for electrified cars, batteries and assistance systems

Leapmotor and China FAW Group have signed a new agreement to deepen cooperation in the development and production of electrified cars. The ceremony took place on 24 August 2026, in Changchun, the city where FAW is headquartered.

The document expands the memorandum signed by the two companies in March 2025. The list of fields is broad, but the agreement does not yet announce a new model, a factory, a production volume or an investment with a precise value and deadline.

What the new Leapmotor–FAW agreement covers

The two groups mention financial cooperation and capital investment, development of electrified-propulsion vehicles, assistance and intelligent-driving systems, powertrains and traction batteries.

The list also includes electronically controlled chassis, body-manufacturing equipment, lightweight components and financial services. The companies want to collaborate as well on robots capable of interacting with the physical environment, but the release does not present a product, a prototype or a concrete industrial use.

The wording of the agreement leaves room for joint research projects, component supply and car development. It does not, however, confirm that FAW and Leapmotor will set up a new joint venture or that the resulting models will carry both brands.

Collaboration began in March 2025

FAW and Leapmotor signed the first strategic cooperation memorandum on 3 March 2025. The initial objective was the joint development of electrified passenger cars and collaboration on components.

Financial documents later published by Leapmotor show that the first jointly developed car project has already been launched internally. China Daily reports that it is approaching series production, but neither company has communicated the model name, the brand under which it will be sold or the target markets.

In December 2025 the two sides also signed an investment agreement. FAW Equity Investment, a division affiliated with the Chinese state group, agreed a subscription of Leapmotor shares. The new August 2026 agreement continues that relationship and adds more technical fields.

FAW supplies hybrid engines for the Leapmotor range

Another element of the cooperation is the supply of FAW hybrid engines for Leapmotor models destined for the global market, according to information published after the agreement was signed. The companies do not specify which cars will receive these engines or when they will enter production.

Leapmotor sells both fully electric cars and extended-range models, in which the combustion engine works mainly as a generator. An engine from FAW can reduce the cost and time needed to develop a new generation of hybrid systems, but the technical configuration must be assessed separately for each model.

FAW has its own brands, including Hongqi and Bestune, and takes part in joint ventures with Volkswagen and Toyota. Leapmotor can in turn offer electronic platforms, software, control systems and components developed in-house.

What the two companies gain

Leapmotor states that it produces in-house technologies and components amounting to more than 65% of a car’s cost and that its platforms have a common-parts ratio of more than 88%. The company operates 18 of its own units for core components.

FAW has a much larger industrial base and a history that begins in 1953. The group announces cumulative sales of more than 66 million vehicles and annual deliveries of more than three million units.

For Leapmotor, access to FAW’s production capacity, suppliers and technology can support rapid volume growth. The brand delivered 457,800 cars in the first seven months of 2026, 68.4% more than in the same period of 2025, according to the FAW release.

FAW can in turn use the electronic architectures and development pace of a company created directly in the electric-car era. The exact benefits will depend on the projects that move from framework agreements to production.

The FAW partnership is separate from Leapmotor International

Outside China, Leapmotor models are distributed through Leapmotor International, a company owned 51% by Stellantis and 49% by Leapmotor. Stellantis separately also holds about 21% of the Chinese manufacturer.

The agreement with FAW does not change the structure of Leapmotor International and does not automatically transfer European sales rights to FAW. The two relationships have different aims: FAW collaborates mainly on capital, technology and industrial development, while Stellantis manages international expansion together with Leapmotor.

The new agreement does not announce changes for the network in Romania, for warranties on cars sold there or for the models available. Nor does it confirm that a vehicle developed with FAW will be exported to Europe.

What to watch in the period ahead

The first concrete indicator will be identification of the joint model the companies say is approaching series production. The brand under which it will be sold, the factory chosen, the type of propulsion and type approval for markets outside China also matter.

For European customers, the agreement becomes relevant only if the shared technologies or components reach the models distributed by Leapmotor International. Until then, the document describes the framework of an industrial collaboration, not a product launch for Romania.

Frequently asked questions

When did Leapmotor and FAW sign the new agreement?

The agreement was signed on 24 August 2026, in Changchun, China.

What will they develop together?

Cooperation covers electrified cars, assistance systems, powertrains, batteries, intelligent chassis, lightweight components and several industrial and financial fields.

Have they announced a new model?

No. The companies say the first joint car project is approaching series production, but they have not communicated the name, specifications or launch date.

Is FAW buying Leapmotor?

No acquisition of the company has been announced. FAW previously signed an agreement for an investment through a share subscription, and the new document includes capital cooperation among the joint fields.

Does the partnership between Leapmotor and Stellantis change?

No change has been announced. Leapmotor International, the company that manages expansion outside China, remains owned 51% by Stellantis and 49% by Leapmotor.

Does the agreement bring new models to Romania?

There is not yet an announcement about a joint FAW–Leapmotor model destined for Romania or Europe.

Sources