Leapmotor has officially entered Mexico, marking the Chinese electric-vehicle maker’s first step into North America as it seeks to expand beyond its home market through its partnership with Stellantis.

Leapmotor extended its record-breaking growth in June, delivering 93,376 vehicles worldwide, up 95% from a year earlier and setting a new monthly high. The performance pushed first-half deliveries to 356,487 units, reinforcing the Chinese EV maker's position as one of the industry's fastest-growing brands.

Leapmotor’s plan to launch a second brand has triggered fresh debate in China’s crowded electric vehicle market. The news was confirmed by vice-president Li Tengfei during the company’s first-quarter earnings call, raising a central question: can a company best known for value-for-money cars credibly enter the premium segment?

Leapmotor used the opening day of the 2026 Beijing auto show to launch the Lafa5 Ultra, a higher-spec version of its electric coupe aimed at younger buyers who want stronger design, driving performance and technology without moving into premium pricing.

Leapmotor has opened the second decade of its business with a deliberately provocative product.

Leapmotor's A10 has entered one of China's most competitive price bands with unusual ambition. Over one weekend, firm orders for the model exceeded 9,000 units, a result founder Zhu Jiangming called better than expected.