As September dawns, Leapmotor immediately unveils its remarkable August delivery figures: a global total of 103,129 units, marking a staggering 80.7% increase year-on-year.

Image source: Weibo

Consistently surpassing 100,000 monthly sales and maintaining a steady performance, Leapmotor has clinched the top spot in new energy vehicle deliveries for several consecutive months, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the industry.

Rewind a few years, and the new energy vehicle landscape was vastly different. Back then, the narrative was dominated by 'NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto,' while Leapmotor lingered on the periphery, labeled as a mere 'second-tier new energy player.' Its market image was straightforward: focused on affordability, relying on cost-effectiveness to drive volume, and catering primarily to the low-end market.

Few could have predicted that within a few short years, the rankings in the new energy sector would undergo a complete transformation, with Leapmotor executing an extraordinary turnaround—from a 'fringe contender' to an industry frontrunner.

The battlefield has been rewritten at an unprecedented pace. And the catalyst for this explosive growth? The Leapmotor A10.

The August domestic SUV retail rankings have been released, and the Leapmotor A10, with 30,652 units sold, has claimed the top spot across all SUV categories, outpacing popular models like the Tesla Model Y and Fangchengbao Titan 7, emerging as the dark horse of the August SUV market.

Image source: DCD Car

The once-overlooked affordable SUV is now the sales champion.

For many, affordable compact cars are seen as mere volume drivers, unlikely to dominate the overall SUV charts. Traditionally, SUV sales leaders were predominantly mainstream models priced around RMB 200,000, with the Model Y consistently topping the rankings—a market norm.

Image source: Youjia

But the Leapmotor A10 has rewritten the rules.

Priced between RMB 65,800-86,800, this sub-RMB 100,000 compact all-electric SUV has boldly claimed the top spot in August SUV retail sales.

Image source: Weibo

Delving into the model specifications, the A10 is Leapmotor's inaugural global model on the A platform, positioned as a smart, premium, long-range SUV. Despite its compact size, featuring a wheelbase of 2,605mm and a 5-door, 5-seat layout, it achieves an impressive interior space utilization rate of 88.1%, providing ample room for urban commuting and family outings.

The most groundbreaking feature? LiDAR for under RMB 90,000.

The high-end version of the A10 is equipped with LiDAR, Qualcomm 8295, and 8650 dual chips, supporting full-scenario navigation-assisted driving from parking spot to parking spot—bringing intelligent driving features previously exclusive to RMB 200,000-300,000 models down to the sub-RMB 100,000 price bracket. With a CLTC range of up to 505km, oil-cooled electric drive, and fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 16 minutes.

Image source: Sina Auto

Online debates rage on.

Some hail it as 'the people's electric car—affordable for ordinary folks without compromising on features.'

Skeptics argue, 'Low price and high specs? They must have cut corners on the chassis and materials.'

Seasoned auto enthusiasts lament, 'We used to think cheap cars meant poor quality, but now Leapmotor is shattering the industry's pricing logic.'

Image source: Weibo

The A10's success is a testament to Leapmotor's overall strength.

The A10's SUV sales crown is no accident—it's a microcosm of Leapmotor's entire product lineup's explosive growth.

With 103,129 units delivered globally in August, soaring by 80.7% year-on-year, Leapmotor has broken the 100,000-unit monthly delivery barrier for two consecutive months following July, becoming the sole new energy vehicle maker consistently achieving this milestone. Cumulative deliveries for the first eight months have surpassed 560,000 units, with the annual target of 1 million units firmly within reach.

In comparison with other new energy players, the gap is stark. In August, XPeng, Li Auto, and NIO delivered between 35,000-40,000 units each, while Leapmotor's deliveries nearly matched the combined total of these leading rivals, solidifying its commanding lead.

Once pigeonholed as a 'second-tier, low-price competitor,' Leapmotor's narrative now extends far beyond cost-effectiveness. Official data reveals the brand independently controls 65% of core components related to vehicle costs, operates 18 self-built parts factories, and achieves a 90% platform commonality rate. Full-domain self-development and deep in-house manufacturing enable it to pack LiDAR and advanced intelligent driving into a model priced just over RMB 60,000.

Image source: Weibo

Low prices don't equate to sacrificing profits—they stem from self-developed manufacturing cost compression.

The A-series lineup is in full swing: besides the A10, the A05 has rapidly gained traction since launch, with the A-series delivering over 40,000 units in August, forming a 'Dual-A Compact Matrix' targeting the mass consumer market and serving as Leapmotor's main force for global expansion.

The auto industry landscape is undergoing a seismic shift: the low-price market is no longer a marginal segment.

Previously, many automakers dismissed the RMB 60,000-100,000 all-electric market as unprofitable and fiercely competitive, preferring to focus on the mid-to-high-end segment above RMB 200,000.

Leapmotor's A10 sales prove: the mainstream mass market is the largest goldmine.

It was once assumed that SUV sales champions must be mid-to-high-end models. Now, a sub-RMB 70,000 family SUV topping the monthly charts sends a clear signal: the new energy vehicle battleground is shifting to ordinary consumers' budget ranges.

Image source: Weibo

Of course, controversies persist.

Some netizens comment, 'Sales look good, but long-term reputation, after-sales, and resale value matter. A short-term hit doesn't guarantee sustainability.'

Industry voices also suggest that intensifying competition in the low-price segment will continue, with BYD and Geely expected to launch competing models. Whether Leapmotor can maintain its edge will soon be put to the test.

Regardless, August's results have already etched a historic chapter in China's auto market.

Once an underdog among new energy players, Leapmotor has claimed the monthly SUV sales crown with the A10, a 'people's SUV,' and stood atop new energy vehicle deliveries for months.

The era of affordable smart electric vehicles has dawned.

Disclaimer: This article is solely for financial commentary and does not constitute investment advice. All corporate data and regulatory events mentioned are derived from public information and are for reference only, subject to official announcements. Images sourced from the internet; please contact for copyright removal if needed.