The fast-growing Chinese automaker plans to build cars in Europe and is conducting feasibility studies.
BYD is looking at three Western European countries as possible locations for a car plant, according to various media reports.
The fast-growing Chinese automaker is talking to the French government about building a factory in the country, French newspaper Les Echos reported. But Germany and Spain are other potential locations, according to Chinese media reports. Britain is not a candidate because of Brexit, reports say.
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li told Bloomberg in February that the automaker wants to build cars in Europe and is conducting feasibility studies.
BYD is more likely to set up its own factory than to take over a factory that is closed by an established automaker, such as Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany.
The company plans to determine the factory location before the end of the year and aims to start production in 2025, reports said.
BYD began its expansion into Europe last year with three all-electric models: the Atto 3 compact crossover, the Tang large SUV and the Han large sedan. The small Dolphin hatchback will arrive in European dealerships next month, and the Seal sedan will go on sale in Europe in September.
BYD’s European markets now include Germany, France, the UK, Spain and the Scandinavian countries, with more to come. The company has an electric bus factory in Hungary, which opened in 2016.
More models
BYD has launched five lower-priced versions of its Seal sedan as the Chinese electric vehicle giant tries to extend its lead in the world’s biggest market for new energy cars.
Pricing for the rear-wheel-drive Seal Champion Edition with a range of 550 km starts at $27,459.09, 10 percent lower than a previous version with the same range, BYD’s website showed.
This is also 18% cheaper than the rear-wheel-drive version of China’s Tesla Model 3, with a range of 556 km, against which the Seal competes.
BYD said it will likely add the mid-size sedan to its European lineup this year. BYD’s current European lineup includes the Atto 3 compact crossover, the Han mid-size sedan and the seven-seat Tang mid-size SUV.
The Seal is a 4700mm long sedan that would slot into BYD’s electric vehicle range just below the Han.
