Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
BYD considers France for one of two new European car plants
Chinese carmaker BYD plans to build two more factories in Europe, in addition to its plant in Hungary, where production is now expected to start in the fourth quarter.
Executive vice-president Stella Li said France is on the shortlist for a possible factory.
She pointed to France’s competitive energy costs and said BYD also wants to support local sellers.
The company wants French consumers to see BYD as a French brand, she said.
The expansion comes as the European Union and China face trade tensions over vehicle exports and possible rules requiring foreign carmakers to produce locally.
Li described the regulatory issues as short-term and said BYD was performing well in China despite a shrinking market and intense price competition.
BYD is due to present its rapid-charging systems in Paris this week, but the company has not said where or when it will build its next European factories.
BYD is considering France for one of two additional car plants it wants to build in Europe.
Executive vice-president Stella Li said France is on the company’s shortlist, citing competitive energy costs.
Li said BYD is looking closely at the possibility of setting up a factory in France.
The company also wants to support local sellers and have French consumers see BYD as a French brand.
BYD’s first European plant in Hungary is now expected to begin production in the fourth quarter.
- Who
- BYD, represented by executive vice-president Stella Li.
- What
- The company is considering France for one of two additional European car plants.
- When
- Li discussed the plans on BFM Business on Monday. The article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- France is under consideration; BYD also has a plant planned in Hungary.
- Why
- Li cited France’s competitive energy costs and said BYD wants to expand its manufacturing and support local sellers in Europe.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
France is on the shortlist, because your energy is very competitive.
We are looking very closely at the possibility of setting up a factory in France.
We will invest massively in Europe, and bring manufacturing to Europe, as in Hungary.
BYD’s sales have remained number one in China, according to Li.
Li discussed BYD’s European expansion and France’s place on its shortlist on BFM Business.
BYD is due to present its fast-charging systems in Paris.
Production at BYD’s Hungarian plant is now expected to begin.
- Potential French site
- France is on BYD’s shortlist for a new European plant.
- Planned expansion
- BYD wants to build a second and third factory in Europe.
- Reason cited
- Li said France’s energy is very competitive.
- Hungary plant
- Production is now expected in the fourth quarter.
- Fast-charging systems
- BYD is due to present them in Paris this week.
Sources
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