Leapmotor to Launch in Ireland This September Under Gowan Auto

Published on 27 May, 2025

Chinese EV brand Leapmotor arrives this autumn with strong backing from Gowan Auto

Overview

New EV Brand Brings Value and Innovation to Irish Market

Gowan Auto has been appointed as the official National Importer for Leapmotor, marking the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer’s official entry into Ireland this September 2024.

Backed by a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor China, the brand is one of the fastest-growing EV companies in China. Its arrival is set to expand Irish electric vehicle options significantly, with a strong focus on value, technology, and specification.

A Strategic Move for Gowan Auto

Gowan Auto — which already imports and distributes well-known Stellantis brands like Peugeot, Opel, Citroën, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo, as well as Honda — will add Leapmotor to its portfolio as part of its continued investment in the EV space.

Michael Dwan, Managing Director at Gowan Group, commented:

“Leapmotor aims to become Ireland’s best value electric vehicle brand. Customers shouldn’t have to compromise on quality or features for affordability. Leapmotor will deliver true value without compromise.”

Headquartered at Citywest

The Leapmotor Ireland team will be based at Gowan Auto’s state-of-the-art distribution centre in Citywest, Dublin. The facility includes a modern office space, training academy, 80,000 sq. ft. parts warehouse, and marketing showroom.

James Brooks has been appointed Managing Director of Leapmotor Ireland, alongside his role with Opel. He will be joined by Stephen McGrath as Brand Manager and Mark Brennan as Marketing Manager, with Emma Toner overseeing marketing at a group level. A Business Development Manager will also be recruited shortly.

Two Models Launching This Year

Leapmotor will debut with two models in September:

T03

A compact B-segment hatchback priced to compete with smaller A-segment cars.

37.3 kWh battery

Up to 265 km WLTP range

Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and 10.1-inch infotainment display

C10 

A larger D-segment SUV with both full-electric and plug-in hybrid range extender versions.

69.9 kWh battery with up to 500 km WLTP range

REEV version offers over 900 km combined range, including 150 km of EV-only driving

Premium features as standard:

Heated & ventilated electric seats

20-inch alloys

360-degree camera

14.6-inch touchscreen & 12-speaker Hi-Fi system

More Models to Follow

Leapmotor plans to launch six additional models in Ireland by 2028. The Leapmotor B10, a compact C-segment SUV, will join the line-up later this year.

All Leapmotor vehicles will be sold and serviced through Gowan Auto’s established dealer network, ensuring customer confidence and peace of mind from day one.

Full pricing and dealer locations will be announced soon.

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives