Leapmotor International (LPMI), the strategic joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, has announced the continued expansion of its logistics partnership with the Grimaldi Group.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in automotive supply chain orchestration, having successfully delivered nearly 100,000 vehicles from China to Europe in the last 18 months, including more than 20,000 units to the Italian market in the Jan-Mar 2026 period.
The operation was executed through a structured program of 15 sailings over the first quarter of 2026, connecting China with multiple European ports of entry (Antwerp, Portbury, Valencia, Vigo, Setubal, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Gioia Tauro). This initiative highlights Leapmotor International’s capability to design and manage complex, large-scale supply chains, delivering fully integrated end-to-end logistics solutions in partnership with the Grimaldi Group.
The program utilizes the Grimaldi Group’s next-generation fleet of Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTC), including the Grande Svezia, Grande Michigan, Grande Istanbul, and Grande Tianjin. These vessels represent a portion of a major investment in 17 new PCTCs, each boasting capacities exceeding 9.000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units).
In alignment with the maritime sector’s 2050 net-zero ambitions, these vessels are ammonia-ready, combining massive scale with a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of global vehicle distribution.
A key enabler of the program is the Grimaldi Group’s integrated logistics platform, underpinned by significant infrastructure investments across major European ports.
Beyond maritime transit, the partnership relies on Grimaldi’s integrated logistics platform and significant infrastructure investments. These facilities, including key hubs in Italy and additional strategic locations across Europe, play a central role in supporting the operation. Spanning nearly six million square meters of equipped port areas, they enable highly efficient and streamlined vehicle handling processes, including preparation, maintenance, and battery charging.
At the core of the initiative lies LPMI’s advanced logistics design and orchestration capability, enabling the company to manage increasing volumes and operational complexity. The program is structured around three main pillars:
- End-to-end supply chain planning and synchronization: Leapmotor production in China is closely aligned with maritime capacity and terminal availability, often requiring tailored, case-specific solutions. This approach enables LPMI to effectively respond to strong market demand while strengthening its position within the Stellantis ecosystem
- Integrated supply chain coordination: Close alignment of maritime and inland operations ensures rapid vehicle flows through European ports, handling peak volumes exceeding 5.400 units per vessel call. Continuous coordination among all stakeholders - shipping carriers, terminal operators, road transport providers, and customs authorities - is critical to maintaining efficiency and reliability
- Operational discipline and continuous improvement: Detailed planning and ongoing optimization of processes ensure consistent performance and secure activities on the ground, enhancing operational efficiency and robust execution across the entire logistics chain
“Logistics is a key differentiator and a strategic lever for competitiveness in the modern automotive sector,” added Alessandro Furnò, LPMI VP of Global Supply Chain & Purchasing. “Our ability to lead such a complex ecosystem - supported by a trusted partner like the Grimaldi Group - is a cornerstone of our commercial success. This partnership ensures that our logistics capabilities evolve as fast as our technology, securing our momentum in the European market.”.
“We are proud to support Leapmotor International during this transformative phase of their European expansion” said Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Grimaldi Group. “This is more than a service agreement; it is a long-term partnership built on trust and shared execution. We remain committed to providing the scalable, tailored logistics solutions necessary as LPMI’s volumes continue to reach new heights.”
Grimaldi is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 6025
