BYD Outlines Long-Term Plan for Three Assembly Plants, Battery Factory in Europe

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD intends to build a significant manufacturing footprint in Europe, with long-term plans for three vehicle assembly plants and one battery factory, a company official said Wednesday.

The strategy was detailed by Alfredo Altavilla, BYD’s special adviser for Europe, during a presentation in Turin. This expansion is designed to support the automaker's ambitious volume targets and ensure compliance with European Union regulations.

Phased Expansion Strategy

BYD is currently commencing production at its first European factory located in Hungary. The company is actively scouting for its next location and expects to make a decision on a second manufacturing site by the end of the year, according to Altavilla.

For its second facility, BYD is reportedly looking to acquire and refurbish an existing plant rather than build a new one from the ground up. Spain and France are said to be among the preferred locations under consideration.

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Long-Term Vision

Altavilla clarified that the full scope of the expansion is a long-range goal. "Over the longer term, we will need three assembly plants and one battery plant," he stated. "Obviously, this is not something that will happen overnight."

Establishing a local production base, including a critical battery plant, is a strategic move for non-EU automakers. It can help mitigate logistical challenges, avoid potential import tariffs, and better tailor vehicles to regional consumer preferences, positioning BYD to compete more directly with established European manufacturers.