For the general public in Europe, however, it would take another five months — till the International Motor Show Germany, or IAA, in Munich in September 2023 — for the reality of how far Chinese carmakers had gone to sink in.

Present at the six-day event were some 70 Chinese firms, the largest ever contingent at any overseas auto event. Almost all the big names in the sector, from BYD and CATL to Leapmotor and Xpeng, were there.

BYD, already the world's largest NEV maker, released its fifth-generation hybrid technology for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a comprehensive driving range of 2,100 kilometers.

It also set up booths, with big eye-catching logos, on a downtown Munich road, showcasing its models.

Leapmotor unveiled its C10 SUV and said it planned to introduce five "globally-oriented" products across the world in the next two years.

"All of Leapmotor's subsequent products will be designed and developed with a global mindset and adhere to global standards," Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming told the press conference.

The startup showcased its vehicle platform as well, looking to sell its technology to European car companies.

Its presence at the IAA, as well as Zhu's reception of overseas carmakers at the booth, accelerated Stellantis' decision to partner with the startup, according to reports.

A month later, Stellantis, which was formed with the merger of PSA and Fiat-Chrysler, decided to purchase a 21 percent stake in Leapmotor for 1.5 billion euros.

The two established a joint venture in May 2024 for the introduction of Leapmotor's models including T03 and C10 first into Europe and then to other parts of the world.