Leapmotor recently announced cumulative deliveries have exceeded 1.5 million units, becoming another Chinese NEV startup to join the "million club." The company previewed intensive June actions: Lafa5 will launch in 28 countries globally, while C10, C11, and C16 receive refreshed launches and D99 opens for pre-order. Data shows Leapmotor's cumulative sales in the first five months exceeded 260,000 units. However, achieving the annual 1 million target requires monthly sales of approximately 106,000 units over the remaining seven months, presenting considerable challenges. Through its strategic partnership with European automotive giant Stellantis, Leapmotor is accelerating overseas market expansion.
Milestone: Cumulative Deliveries Break 1.5 Million
Leapmotor has reached an important milestone—cumulative deliveries officially exceeded 1.5 million units. This figure places Leapmotor alongside Li Auto, NIO, and XPeng as another Chinese EV startup entering the "million-unit club."
What path did Leapmotor take from zero to 1.5 million?
- 2019: First model S01 launched, beginning mass production journey
- 2022: Deliveries surpassed 100,000 units
- 2024: Deliveries surpassed 500,000 units
- 2025: Accelerated expansion with significant full-year delivery growth
- June 2026: Cumulative deliveries broke 1.5 million units
June Product Offensive: Globalization Accelerates
While achieving the 1.5 million milestone, Leapmotor announced intensive product and market plans:
Global layout:
- Lafa5 will launch in 28 countries in June, Leapmotor's largest overseas simultaneous launch to date
- Through Stellantis's global channel network, Leapmotor products are rapidly expanding coverage in Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia
Domestic refresh:
- C10, C11, and C16 refreshed versions launch, with comprehensive upgrades in design, intelligent driving, and range
- D99 opens for pre-order, positioned as a premium large SUV, further expanding the product matrix
- Lafa5: Compact pure electric SUV for global markets,主打cost-performance strategy
- C10/C11/C16 refreshed: Main model iterations for the Chinese market
- D99: Flagship product for brand upward movement, targeting above 300k yuan segment
Sales Target: Million Challenge and Path
Leapmotor has set an ambitious annual sales target of 1 million units for 2026. However, current progress shows achieving this target remains challenging.
Progress check:
- First 5 months cumulative sales: 260,000 units
- Annual target completion rate: 26%
- Remaining 7 months needed: 740,000 units
- Monthly average required: approximately 106,000 units
For comparison, Leapmotor's single-month delivery in May was approximately 80,000 units (per Chedongxi data, a record high but still short of 100k+). To maintain a monthly pace above 100,000 units for the remaining 7 months, multiple conditions must align:
- Capacity ramp-up: Whether existing and new factory production can support the volume
- New model volume: Whether refreshed C10/C11/C16 and D99 can quickly ramp up
- Overseas contribution: Whether Lafa5's 28-country launch brings significant incremental volume
- Market demand: Whether consumer demand sustains amid price wars
| Indicator | Data | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-May 2026 sales | 260K units | Significant YoY growth |
| Annual target | 1 million units | Among highest targets among NEV startups |
| May single-month sales | ~80K units | Record high but needs acceleration |
| Required monthly average | ~106K units | Challenging |
| Overseas layout | 28 countries (June addition) | Through Stellantis channels |
Stellantis Partnership: Leapmotor's Global Accelerator
Leapmotor's strategic partnership with Stellantis is its key differentiation from other startups. In 2024, the two parties established a joint venture, with Stellantis investing approximately 1.5 billion euros for about 20% equity in Leapmotor.
Core values from this partnership:
- Channel leverage: Access to Stellantis's sales network across 130+ countries globally
- Manufacturing synergy: Utilization of Stellantis's overseas factory resources to avoid tariff barriers
- Technology complementarity: Combining Leapmotor's three-electric and intelligent driving tech with Stellantis's vehicle engineering capabilities
- Brand endorsement: Stellantis's global brand operation experience provides guidance for Leapmotor
Implications for the NEV Startup Landscape
Leapmotor's 1.5 million milestone reflects profound changes in China's NEV startup competitive landscape.
Clear tier differentiation:
- First tier (Li Auto, AITO): Monthly sales stable at 30-40k units, strong profitability
- Second tier (Leapmotor, XPeng, NIO): Monthly sales 10-30k units, scaling up
- Third tier: Monthly sales below 10k units, survival pressure mounting
Leapmotor's distinctive approach is the dual-wheel drive of "extreme cost-performance + global partnership". In the domestic market, Leapmotor positions as "half-price Li Auto" for family vehicles; overseas, it rapidly builds channels and brand recognition through the Stellantis partnership.
For overseas buyers tracking Chinese NEVs through platforms like EX1000.COM, Leapmotor's product matrix offers rich choices from mid-range family SUVs to premium flagships. Its accelerating globalization means overseas delivery capabilities and after-sales service networks will continue improving.
