TL;DR
BYD is negotiating to take over underused European manufacturing facilities, including Stellantis’ plant, to support its growing EV sales. The company aims to own and operate these plants independently amid rising EV demand.
BYD is in active negotiations to acquire underutilized automotive plants in Europe, including a facility owned by Stellantis, as part of its strategy to expand EV manufacturing capacity on the continent.
Executive vice president Stella Li confirmed during an interview with Bloomberg that BYD is discussing potential acquisitions of European plants, not only from Stellantis but also from other companies. Li stated the company prefers to own and operate these facilities independently rather than forming joint ventures. The discussions focus on utilizing spare capacity at underused plants in Italy and other European countries. This move aligns with BYD’s broader plan to boost overseas sales, which have seen significant growth despite a slowdown in domestic sales. The company has recently begun trial production at a new facility in Hungary and plans to open a $1 billion EV plant in Turkey by the end of 2026. These efforts are part of a larger push to meet rising global EV demand, driven by factors such as soaring fuel prices and increasing consumer interest.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it indicates BYD’s aggressive expansion into Europe’s automotive manufacturing sector, potentially disrupting traditional automakers’ market share. Acquiring local plants could enable BYD to increase its EV production capacity rapidly, reduce costs, and improve supply chain efficiency in Europe. For legacy automakers, this represents increased competition in a key market where EV adoption is accelerating. The move also signals a shift in the global auto industry, with Chinese EV companies seeking to establish a stronger physical presence in Europe to capitalize on growing demand.
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Background
In recent months, BYD has intensified its efforts to expand internationally, especially in Europe, where it has become the best-selling EV brand in several markets through April 2026. The company’s overseas sales reached 135,000 vehicles in April alone, a 70% increase from the previous year, despite a slowdown in domestic sales. Meanwhile, Stellantis announced plans to deepen its partnership with Chinese automaker Leapmotor, including adding new production lines in Spain for electric SUVs and potentially transferring ownership of a plant to Leapmotor. These moves reflect a broader industry trend of legacy automakers partnering with or selling to Chinese EV firms to remain competitive amid a price war and technological advancements.
“We are talking to not only Stellantis, we’re talking to other companies too.”
— Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President
“We are looking for any available plant in Europe to utilize spare capacity there.”
— Stella Li, during Bloomberg interview
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear which specific plants are under consideration, the terms of any potential deals, or whether negotiations will lead to formal agreements. Details about the timeline for acquisition and the future operational plans remain uncertain.
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What’s Next
Next steps include continued negotiations between BYD and potential European plant owners, with possible announcements of acquisitions or partnerships in the coming months. Monitoring industry developments and official statements will clarify the scope of BYD’s expansion efforts.
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Key Questions
Which European plants is BYD targeting for acquisition?
It is not yet confirmed which specific plants are involved; discussions are ongoing with multiple companies, including Stellantis, regarding underutilized facilities in Italy and other countries.
Why is BYD interested in European plants?
BYD aims to quickly increase its EV manufacturing capacity in Europe to meet rising demand and reduce logistics costs, leveraging existing infrastructure rather than building new facilities from scratch.
How might this affect the European auto market?
If successful, BYD’s acquisitions could increase competition, potentially leading to more EV options and pricing pressures on traditional automakers operating in Europe.
Will BYD establish joint ventures or fully own these plants?
According to Stella Li, BYD prefers to own and operate the plants independently rather than forming joint ventures.
What is the timeline for these potential acquisitions?
Details remain unclear, but negotiations are ongoing, with no confirmed timeline for completion or operational start dates.
