BYD has unveiled plans to establish its inaugural electric car production facility in Europe, specifically in Szeged, Hungary.
This announcement, confirming recent industry speculation, represents a significant step in BYD’s European expansion strategy.
Hungary’s selection as the location for this new venture is hardly surprising, given BYD’s existing presence in the country through its electric bus manufacturing operations. Hungary has emerged as a key player in the EV sector within the European Union, drawing numerous investments in recent years due to its competitive edge.
BYD, acclaimed as the world’s largest producer of plug-in electric vehicles, with monthly sales surpassing 300,000 units (encompassing both all-electric and plug-in hybrid models), is intensifying its global presence. The company’s approach includes ramping up exports from China while also focusing on localising production within key markets.
In Europe, BYD currently boasts a range of five all-electric car models (Han, Tang, Atto 3, Seal, and Dolphin), supported by a network of 230 retail outlets across 19 countries. The company’s European portfolio is set to expand with three additional models by 2024, enhancing its market offerings.
The upcoming Hungarian factory, described as a state-of-the-art facility for passenger car production, is planned to be developed in phases.
While BYD has not explicitly stated, it is inferred that the new Hungarian plant will predominantly focus on all-electric vehicles. This aligns with Europe’s broader shift away from internal combustion engines, emphasising the region’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
