News & Releasess
Press release – Italian Motion
Italian Motion, subsidiary of Autohellas and Samelet for the distribution of Stellantis brands they represent in Greece (Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo), was chosen as the importer of LEAPMOTOR cars in Greece.
- Leapmotor was founded in 2015 in China.
- Through the Leapmotor International joint venture, of which Stellantis holds 51%, Leapmotor will rapidly grow with the support of Stellantis and its importer distributor network around the world.
- The first two models that will be made available in the Greek market are a city car, the T03, and a large SUV, the C10. Both models are all-electric.
Leapmotor International B.V., evaluating the dynamics of Italian Motion as well as the extensive know-how, experience, resources and leading presence in the mobility services of its shareholders, Autohellas and Samelet, selected it as the importer and distributor of its models in our country. Italian Motion’s portfolio thus expands even more, adding another brand next to the historic and iconic Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Fiat, Fiat Professional and Jeep.
Leapmotor was founded in 2015 in Hangzhou, China, with a vision for innovative, cutting-edge, affordable and sustainable mobility. In October 2023, Stellantis invested €1.5 bn for a 21% stake in the Chinese company’s share capital. In May 2024, the joint venture Leapmotor International B.V. was established, with Stellantis as the majority (51%) shareholder, aiming to quickly establish Leapmotor as a powerhouse electric (EV) car brand with a global reach. Sales will commence in September in nine European markets including the Greek one, with an aggressive growth strategy and 200 sales points by 2024.
All Leapmotor models are distinguished for their respect for the environment, high-end technology and top value for money, while strategic planning includes the launch of at least one new model every year, for the next three years.
For the Greek market, the range will initially include two electric models. The smallest is the T03, a very richly equipped 5-door, practical city car with premium interiors. It was designed with absolute ease of movement in the urban environment in mind and has a range of 265 km according to the WLTP. J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study ranked it #1 in the small electric car category.
The top model of the brand is called C10 and is a top-notch D-SUV with a range of 420 km according to the WLTP. It is based on the LEAP 3.0 platform developed in-house by Leapmotor and is accompanied by state-of-the-art technology in electrical and electronic systems. Along with premium build quality and luxurious equipment, the C10 offers premium driving experience for its category. The model has won the “2023 International CMF Design Award” as well as a gold award from both the “2024 French Design Awards” and the “US MUSE Design Awards”.
The first official introduction of the Leapmotor models to the Greek public will take place at the “Auto Athina 2024” car show in early October. From then on, interested parties will have the chance to see the cars up close and learn all the details about them on the official Leapmotor network in Greece.
About Leapmotor
Founded in 2015, Leapmotor is a customer-centric high-tech electric car manufacturer. It is the fourth largest startup New Energy Vehicle brand in China as of June 2024.
The brand has a wide range of activities, from the R&D on smart EVs to the communication of cars in a cloud environment. Leapmotor designs and manufactures its own components that account for 60% of the total cost of each car, while it is also credited with significant technological innovations. Examples are both the mass application of an electric drive system with an “Eight in One” architecture, and the “Cell-to-Chassis” (CTC) technology that optimizes electrical energy management and increases autonomy.
About Italian Motion
It is the importer and distributor for the Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional and Jeep brands in Greece. From 2023 it is 51% owned by Autohellas, a company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange since 1999, and 49% by Samelet.
Autohellas was founded in 1966, and is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange since 1999. It is a member of the Th. Vassilakis Group and is active in short/long-term car rentals, operating leasing, import and distribution of cars as well as in the retail sale and technical support of both new and used cars. It has a presence in nine (9) countries in Europe and total turnover that exceeds 1 bn euros. Th. Vassilakis Group is also active in air transport through Aegean Airlines, which is also listed on the Stock Exchange.
Samelet was founded in 1946 in Israel where it imports and distributes the brands Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Iveco, Maserati and Ram. It focuses on developing innovations and advanced mobility solutions, including charging and data management applications. It invests and develops innovation and technology and has established investment funds in China and Israel to invest in automotive start-ups. In addition to its massive presence in the automotive business in Israel, it is also active in Romania having acquired the former importer of FCA: Autoitalia. The Samelet Group is controlled by the Levi family. In addition to the huge car business in Israel, it is also active in Romania having acquired the former importer of FCA: Autoitalia. The Samelet Group is controlled by the Levi family.