There’s a new Chinese car brand coming to Ireland, as Gowan Auto has been appointed national importer for Leapmotor, marking the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer’s official entry into the Irish market this September.

Leapmotor, established in 2015, is a joint venture partnership between the global giant Stellantis and Leapmotor China, and today is one of the fastest growing electric vehicle brands in China.

Gowan Auto, a member of the Gowan Group of companies, is the exclusive importer and distributor in Ireland of Stellantis brands including Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot, and Honda. The addition of Leapmotor to the Gowan Auto portfolio will offer electric vehicle customers in Ireland an even wider choice in terms of value and technology.

Leapmotor will be marketed through the existing network of Gowan Auto Retail Partners, to ensure continuity of sales and aftersales excellence, and guaranteeing peace of mind for prospective Leapmotor customers, as they begin their journey with a new brand entering the market.

It will launch in Ireland in September with two models. The T03 is a compact B-segment hatchback offered at an A-segment price, providing exceptional value. It 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 modern 10.1-inch infotainment system.

The C10 is a spacious D-segment SUV 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.

The C10 stands out for its extensive premium features as standard, 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.

Leapmotor will expand its Irish line-up by a further six models by 2028. The Leapmotor B10, a C-SUV size vehicle, will be added to the model range 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 shortly.

Pictured: The Leapmotor T03 model.