Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Leapmotor, will launch in Ireland this September with two models.
Established in 2015, Leapmotor is a joint venture partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor China, and is one of the fastest growing electric vehicle brands in China.
Gowan Auto has been appointed the national importer for Leapmotor, joining its suite of fellow Stellantis brands Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot.
Headquartered in Citywest, Dublin, Gowan Auto said Leapmotor aims to become “Ireland’s best value electric vehicle brand by offering high levels of specification and advanced technology as standard”.
Leapmotor will be marketed through the existing network of Gowan Auto retail partners, to ensure continuity of sales and aftersales standards.
Launching first in Ireland this September is the Leapmotor T03 small hatchback and the Leapmotor C10 SUV.
The T03 features a 37.3 kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 265 km and comes equipped with a high level of standard technology and equipment, including a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a 10.1-inch infotainment system.
The C10 is powered by a 69.9 kWh battery, delivering a WLTP range of up to 500 km. A plug-in hybrid range extender version (REEV) will also be available, delivering a WLTP range of over 900km combined, including a 150km WLTP range of pure electric plug-in driving.
A high level of standard equipment also comes with the C10, such as electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree surround view camera, heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker premium Hi-Fi system, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.
Gowan Auto said the Irish Leapmotor line-up will be expanded by a further six models by 2028. First of those will be the B10, another SUV, which is set to arrive here in the autumn.
Full pricing and specifications details for the new T03, B10 and C10, together with the locations of the dealerships that will represent the Leapmotor brand in Ireland, will be announced imminently, according to Gowan Auto.
The Leapmotor Ireland team at Gowan Auto will be spearheaded by managing director, James Brooks, who brings extensive leadership experience and valuable expertise to the role.
Brooks will retain responsibility for the Opel brand at Gowan Auto. He will be joined by Stephen McGrath, formerly had of product and pricing at Peugeot and DS Ireland, who has been appointed brand manager.
Mark Brennan, formerly marketing executive at DS Ireland, has been appointed marketing manager at Leapmotor Ireland.
Emma Toner is marketing director for Leapmotor, in addition to her current brand, Opel. Gowan Auto said recruitment for a business development manager will commence soon.
