In an East-West auto industry twist, China’s EV maker Leapmotor has struck a deal to supply its electric vehicle platform to Hongqi, the luxury brand of state-owned FAW Group. Announced at Auto Shanghai, the partnership will see a new Hongqi SUV model built on Leapmotor’s advanced B10 EV architecture, which offers smart driving features and lidar at a budget price.

The deal gives Hongqi (known for making limousines for Chinese officials) a fast track to produce affordable EVs for export markets starting in 2026. Executives also revealed Leapmotor has explored collaborations with Ferrari, highlighting how Chinese EV firms’ tech is attracting global interest. This is the first time a Chinese startup will license an EV ‘skateboard’ platform to a state-owned automaker –- a sign of the industry’s push to scale up EV production through partnerships.

This alliance underscores China’s emergence as an EV technology exporter. Leapmotor gains a prestigious customer and a foothold in overseas markets via Hongqi’s global ambitions. For Hongqi (and FAW), adopting Leapmotor’s proven platform saves R&D time and costs, helping it compete with Western and domestic rivals in the premium EV segment.

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REUTERS/Go Nakamura