According to foreign media reports, BYD, which has been exporting a large number of new energy vehicles in the past two years, is interested in acquiring a factory from other automakers in Europe and has been in negotiations with several companies.
A BYD executive in charge of overseas market expansion revealed in an interview that they are not only negotiating with Stellantis but also with other automakers about taking over a factory.
The executive also said they are looking for any possible factory in Europe to utilize the space, and have been negotiating to take over unused factories in Italy and other European countries.
The report also mentioned that BYD prefers to own and operate their own factories rather than building joint ventures.
The report suggests that BYD's search for a factory in Europe is related to their increasing sales in the European market.
Since November last year, BYD's exports of new energy vehicles have exceeded 100,000 units for six consecutive months. In the first four months of this year, they exported 456,263 units, a significant increase from 285,170 units in the same period last year.
Some of BYD's exports go to the European market. Reports say they have surpassed Tesla in the UK to become the best-selling electric vehicle brand. Their Denza Z9 GT is already on sale in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, and they plan to expand to 30 countries by the end of the year.