BYD in France: the scenario of a factory becomes very serious
- Published on 02/07/2026 14:22
- Modified on 02/07/2026 16:35
The Chinese giant BYD is seeking a second industrial site in Europe. This time, France is among the frontrunners.
The possibility of a BYD factory in France is gaining traction. According to Reuters, the Chinese manufacturer is close to selecting a second production site in Europe, with two countries leading the race: Spain and France. This information is particularly significant as it comes from Alfredo Altavilla, BYD’s European advisor and former Fiat Chrysler executive.
The strategy is clear: BYD no longer wants to solely import its electric cars from China. The group is already preparing to start operations at its Hungarian factory in Szeged in the fourth quarter of 2026, but is also looking to acquire an existing factory in Europe to expedite the process. Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, confirmed that the company is now prioritizing this industrial avenue.
BYD wants to produce locally
France appears to be a credible candidate for several reasons: a strong automotive network, available industrial skills, logistical infrastructures, and, above all, the existence of underutilized sites. The name Stellantis naturally comes up in discussions, even though no French site has been officially mentioned by BYD. In April, Stellantis notably announced the cessation of automotive assembly in Poissy by the end of 2028, due to overcapacity issues in Europe.
For BYD, local production also addresses a strategic urgency. European tariffs on electric cars manufactured in China complicate its commercial expansion, as its sales are experiencing strong growth in Europe. Reuters mentions a projected increase of 270% in 2025, with more than 100,000 sales in the first five months of 2026.
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Nothing is signed yet, but the situation has clearly escalated. A BYD factory in France is no longer just a rumor: it is now one of the most closely watched industrial scenarios.
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This page is translated from the original post "BYD en France : le scénario d’une usine devient très sérieux" in French.
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