A360
Key Takeaways✦ Atlas AI
01
Stellantis eyes Mexico, Canada for Chinese vehicle production.
02
U.S. market excluded for Chinese-branded vehicle manufacturing.
03
Stellantis seeks non-Chinese partnerships in the U.S.
Atlas AI
Stellantis Considers Chinese Vehicle Production in Mexico, Canada
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa indicated on Thursday, May 22, 2026, that the automaker is exploring opportunities to produce Chinese-branded vehicles in Mexico and potentially Canada, but not the United States. This strategy aims to expand partnerships, increase sales, and utilize existing plant capacity, particularly through its collaboration with Chinese automaker Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co.
The initiative follows Stellantis's 51% majority ownership in a joint venture with Leapmotor, granting exclusive rights for sales and manufacturing outside greater China. Filosa stated that while Mexico and Canada present viable options, the U.S.
market is not currently being considered for Chinese-branded vehicle production. This comes as Canada permits the import of 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles annually at a 6.1% tariff rate, potentially utilizing Stellantis's Brampton, Ontario plant, which ceased new vehicle production in December 2023.
In the U.S. market, Stellantis is focusing on partnerships with non-Chinese brands. The company recently announced exploring collaborations with Jaguar Land Rover, aiming for synergies in product development and industrialization. This dual approach allows Stellantis to leverage its global partnerships while navigating distinct market conditions and trade policies across North America.
