Stellantis' Ned Curic: Learning from Leapmotor to Launch the Citroën 2 CV 2026

Stellantis is learning from its Chinese partner Leapmotor to develop the new Citroën 2 CV in just two years, according to Ned Curic, the company's head of product development. The revelation underscores a dramatic shift in how legacy automakers approach vehicle development, moving away from decade-long cycles toward the rapid timelines pioneered by Chinese EV startups.

Curic's comments highlight the pressure European carmakers face as they race to compete with cheaper, faster-moving Chinese rivals. The original 2 CV was a postwar icon of simplicity and affordability, and Stellantis hopes to recapture that spirit with a modern, budget-friendly EV built at unprecedented speed.

Why the Citroën 2 CV Is Making a Comeback

The Citroën 2 CV, or "Deux Chevaux," was produced from 1948 to 1990 and became a symbol of French motoring. It was cheap, reliable, and utterly unpretentious—qualities that Stellantis now wants to revive for the electric age.

Bringing back such an iconic nameplate is a bold move. It signals that Stellantis sees affordable EVs as a critical battleground, especially as Chinese manufacturers flood Europe with low-cost models. The new 2 CV would need to be simple, lightweight, and aggressively priced to succeed.

The Leapmotor Connection

Stellantis owns a significant stake in Leapmotor and has established a joint venture to sell Leapmotor vehicles outside China. This partnership gives Stellantis access to Leapmotor's efficient development processes and cost-effective engineering.

Curic's statement that Stellantis is "learning from Leapmotor" suggests the French-Italian-American giant is adopting some of its partner's methods. Leapmotor is known for developing vehicles quickly and at lower cost, a capability that could be transformative for Stellantis.

How Leapmotor's Speed Is Reshaping Stellantis Development

Traditional automakers like Stellantis have long followed a methodical, multi-year development process. As the source article notes, Mercedes took eight years and two million test kilometers to launch the W124 in the 1980s, prioritizing durability above all else.

Today, no company can afford such timelines. Much of the reliability testing is now done via computer simulation, and the pressure to bring EVs to market quickly has intensified. Leapmotor's approach—likely involving streamlined decision-making and aggressive cost targets—offers a template.

By adopting Leapmotor's methods, Stellantis aims to cut years off its development cycle. The two-year target for the 2 CV is a stark contrast to the five or more years typical for a new vehicle platform.

Key Takeaways from Curic's Announcement

• Two-year development timeline: The new Citroën 2 CV is targeted for launch in just two years, a radical acceleration for Stellantis.
• Leapmotor as a teacher: Stellantis is actively learning from its Chinese partner's fast and frugal development processes.
• Affordable EV focus: The 2 CV revival is expected to be a budget-friendly electric vehicle, competing with low-cost Chinese imports.
• Simulation over road testing: Like the rest of the industry, Stellantis now relies heavily on computer simulations for reliability testing.
• Cultural shift: The move represents a broader change in how legacy automakers operate, prioritizing speed and cost efficiency.

What the New 2 CV Might Look Like

While Stellantis has not released official details, the new 2 CV is expected to be a small, lightweight EV. It could share components with Leapmotor's platforms to keep costs down. The original 2 CV was known for its minimalist design, and a modern version would likely echo that ethos with a simple interior and efficient electric powertrain.

Pricing will be crucial. To compete with Chinese EVs, the new 2 CV would need to be one of the most affordable electric cars in Europe. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has repeatedly warned about the threat from Chinese manufacturers, and the 2 CV could be the company's answer.

Challenges Ahead

Developing a car in two years is ambitious, even with Leapmotor's help. Quality and safety standards must still be met, and Stellantis cannot afford a high-profile failure. The company will need to balance speed with reliability, a lesson it surely remembers from its own history.

Moreover, the 2 CV name carries enormous heritage value. Enthusiasts will expect a worthy successor, not just a cheap EV with a nostalgic badge. Stellantis must tread carefully to avoid alienating loyal fans.

Comparing Development Timelines: Then vs. Now

The table illustrates the dramatic compression of development cycles. While the W124 was engineered to last 300,000 kilometers, modern cars are often designed for similar lifespans but validated through digital tools rather than years of road testing.

What This Means for the European Auto Industry

Stellantis' move is a clear signal that European automakers are willing to disrupt their own processes to stay competitive. If the 2 CV launches on time and at a competitive price, it could set a new benchmark for how legacy companies develop EVs.

Other manufacturers are watching closely. The success or failure of this experiment could influence development strategies across the industry. It also puts pressure on regulators to adapt to faster product cycles without compromising safety or environmental standards. The background to this story is set out in Stellantis Battery Shortage Halts Four French Plants in October. A related thread runs through Stellantis and Renault Back UK for EU Car Industry Protection. Earlier coverage in Car: latest articles shows how the argument developed.

The Role of Chinese Partnerships

Stellantis is not alone in partnering with Chinese firms. Other European automakers have struck deals to access Chinese EV technology and platforms. These collaborations are controversial but increasingly necessary as the cost gap between Chinese and European EVs remains wide. A closer look at the same subject appears in China's LFP Batteries Hit 200 Wh/kg Without New Chemistry. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Germany's Auto Industry: Why Manufacturers Now Avoid. The same theme surfaces in Berliet T100: The Giant French Truck That Failed in the Sahara, which takes a different angle.

Leapmotor's role in the 2 CV project will be scrutinized. If Stellantis can successfully integrate Leapmotor's methods while maintaining European quality standards, it could validate the partnership model for others. Context on how this played out before sits in Nanya Technology's $16B DRAM Bet to Ease Memory Chip Crisis. A companion piece, Stellantis' Ned Curic: Learning from Leapmotor to Launch the Citroën 2 CV, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ