BYD and Leapmotor clash at the Munich Motor Show

The statements from the new head of the Stellantis group regarding Leapmotor sales have caused a stir at BYD, which felt the need to respond publicly.

Is the Chinese company BYD fighting fake news? On Friday, September 12, 2025, during the Munich auto show, a press release was sent to all media to correct a false statement spread by Antonio Filosa, the new head of the Stellantis group taking over from Carlos Tavares, claiming that “in Germany, Leapmotor has sold more than BYD ” since the beginning of 2025.

From a factual standpoint, BYD states that between January and August 2025 in Germany, it registered 8610 vehicles, including 5852 BEVs (100% electric) and 2757 PHEVs (plug-in hybrids), while Leapmotor totaled 3536 (3088 BEVs, 448 PHEVs). The gap is therefore clear and measurable.

BYD did not stop there and expanded the comparison to Stellantis brands. In the same period, Alfa Romeo only recorded 5226 registrations, with barely 140 electric and 34 plug-in hybrid vehicles. Jeep performed slightly better in overall volume, but was still outperformed by BYD in the electrified segments, with only 350 BEVs and 569 PHEVs.

This statement illustrates BYD’s offensive strategy in Europe. The manufacturer aims not only to debunk any attempts to minimize its presence but also to highlight the weaknesses of its historical competitors, particularly those within the Stellantis group. Referencing official figures allows the Chinese brand to refocus the debate on factual grounds and assert its status as a new key player in the German market.

Beware of the BYD giant!

Beyond this exchange of words, the global scale is significant. In 2024, BYD sold approximately 4.27 million “NEVs” (BEVs + PHEVs), reflecting a spectacular growth compared to 2023 and a double-digit market share in the global electric vehicle market. These numbers come against a backdrop where global electric vehicle sales surpassed 17 million in 2024, up more than 25% year-on-year, with China still leading the charge.

The strategic reading is equally essential. In Europe, BYD is preparing for an accelerated localization of its production to bypass customs tariffs and reduce delivery times currently constrained by shipping. The launch of the Hungarian factory is scheduled for the end of 2025, after which the goal will be to locally produce all vehicles intended for Europe by 2028. A factory in Turkey is also set to become operational starting in 2026.

Ultimately, BYD wants the whole world to understand that it does not compete in the same category as the “dwarf” Leapmotor. Let it be known.

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