17/06/2026 10:21 - Tecnologia
SUV moderno híbrido chino Leapmotor B10 en concesionario premium argentino con diseño futurista y detalles tecnológicos
The Argentine automotive market is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. While traditional vehicle sales decline, Chinese brands are accelerating at a steady pace. Stellantis —the European automotive giant that owns Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën, and Jeep— has officially launched pre-sales for Leapmotor, the electric vehicle manufacturer in which it invested USD 1.5 billion three years ago.
The model chosen for its Argentine debut is the B10 ultra-hybrid, an SUV that promises to revolutionize the segment with its range exceeding 900 kilometers and a price point of USD 31,990, positioning it as one of the most competitive options in the market.
💡 Context for International Readers: Argentina has become a key battleground for Chinese automakers in Latin America. The country's economic challenges have made affordable, feature-rich vehicles particularly attractive to consumers seeking value without compromising on technology or safety.
| Type | C-SUV |
| Powertrain | Ultra-hybrid REEV |
| Range | +900 km |
| Price | USD 31,990 |
| Display | 14.6 inches |
| Safety | 7 airbags |
| ADAS | 15 systems (Level 2) |
| Initial Deposit | $500,000 ARS |
| Registration | Free in June |
| Sales Network | 12 locations |
| After-sales | 22 centers |
| Annual Target | 1,800 units |
| Market Share Goal | 2-3% |
This phenomenon is no coincidence. According to data from ACARA (Asociación de Concesionarios de Automotores de la República Argentina) —the Argentine Association of Automotive Dealers— vehicle registrations fell 9.7% in the first five months of 2026, totaling 247,187 units. However, Chinese-origin brands registered approximately 21,000 sales, achieving a record market share of 8.5%.
📌 Key Insight: Sales of Chinese brands multiplied by seven compared to the same period in 2025, when they barely reached 3,000 units. This dramatic shift represents one of the fastest market transformations in Latin American automotive history.
+6,500 units
+4,500 units
+2,400 units
+2,300 units
Valere Lourme, Leapmotor's director for Argentina, emphasized: "We are the first country in the region to market this C-SUV." The brand, founded in 2015, sold 600,000 vehicles in 2025 and projects reaching 1 million in 2026.
The medium-term plan is ambitious: by 2027, Stellantis' plant in Goiânia, Brazil will begin producing Leapmotor models, which will reduce logistics costs and increase availability throughout South America.
The B10 employs REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) technology, which combines an electric motor with a combustion engine. Unlike traditional hybrids, the combustion engine doesn't directly power the wheels—it functions solely as a generator to recharge the batteries. This allows for superior range exceeding 900 km, surpassing many purely electric vehicles while eliminating range anxiety.
Stellantis isn't the only one betting on the Chinese market. Grupo Antelo —a major Argentine distributor handling GWM, Tank, Ora, Poer, Changan, and JMEV— announced the arrival of three new brands: Depal, Soueast, and Shacman.
The holding company led by Manuel Antelo projects closing 2026 with 10,000 sales (2% of the market). In five months, it already registered over 3,500 units, representing a 560% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
In May 2026, financed sales reached 27,053 units, representing 14.5% of total new and used vehicle transactions.
🎯 Conclusion: Leapmotor's arrival reinforces the unstoppable trend of Chinese brands in Argentina. With competitive prices, cutting-edge technology, and record ranges, consumers have increasingly more options. Pre-sales are now open with a deposit of $500,000 ARS and free registration during June. The automotive landscape of South America is transforming before our eyes.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
