Leapmotor announces plans to expand local dealer network

Having entered the New Zealand market in late 2024, Chinese carmaker Leapmotor has announced plans to more than double its local dealership footprint.

The marque, distributed by Auto Distributors New Zealand, initially set up three dealerships locally — one in Auckland, one in Wellington, and one in Christchurch. It is now set to open up four more sites in the coming months. 

All four of the new sites are based in the North Island. Two are in Auckland, being Takanini Auto Group and Albany’s Auckland Auto Group. The remaining stores are Waikato Auto Group in Hamilton and Tauranga Motor Group.

The news comes hot on the heels of the brand’s latest model, the B10, being awarded a 5-star rating by independent safety authority ANCAP. 

Following in the footsteps of the brand’s first model, the C10, the B10 arrived in New Zealand in late 2025. The pure electric compact crossover is a direct rival for the likes of the BYD Atto 2, MGS5, and Kia EV3. 

The B10 scored a credible 93% in Adult Occupant Protection and 95% in Child Occupant Protection. Its Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist was scored 84% and 86%, respectively. 

“Leapmotor has listened to customer feedback and delivered meaningful improvements across multiple areas, making a compelling package even stronger,” said Brian Carr, General Manager – Sales, Auto Distributors New Zealand.

“The 5-star ANCAP result is further validation of the B10’s credentials, and the expanded dealer network ensures more New Zealanders can experience the brand first-hand.

“In addition to the B10 and C10, customers can also explore the impressive C10 AWD — one of the quickest family-oriented EVs available, capable of a 0–100km/h sprint in just four seconds. The technology, design execution and value proposition across the range are genuinely outstanding.”

Leapmotor recently issued a suite of tweaks for the B10, all issued directly to customers via over-the-air updates.  

These changes include “seamless” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, more customisable steering wheel options, quicker infotainment start-up, improved adaptive cruise control and lane centering, and strong regenerative braking response.