BYD in France: the scenario of a factory becomes very serious
- Published on 02/07/2026 14:22
- Modified on 02/07/2026 14:28
The Chinese giant BYD is seeking a second industrial site in Europe. And this time, France is among the favorites.
The idea 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 in the lead: Spain and France. The information is particularly sensitive as it comes from Alfredo Altavilla, BYD’s European advisor and former Fiat Chrysler executive.
The strategy is clear: BYD no longer wants to simply import its electric cars from China. The group is already preparing to start its Hungarian factory in Szeged in the fourth quarter of 2026, but is also seeking to take over an existing factory in Europe to accelerate its efforts. Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, confirmed that the manufacturer is now prioritizing this industrial pathway.
BYD wants to produce locally
France appears to be a credible candidate for several reasons: the presence of a solid automotive network, available industrial skills, logistical infrastructures, and, above all, the existence of underutilized sites. The name Stellantis comes up naturally in discussions, even though no French site has been officially mentioned by BYD. In April, Stellantis announced the cessation of automobile assembly in Poissy by the end of 2028, amidst European industrial overcapacity.
For BYD, producing locally also addresses a strategic urgency. European tariffs on electric cars manufactured in China complicate its commercial offensive, even as its sales are rapidly increasing in Europe. Reuters reports a 270% increase in 2025 and over 100,000 sales in the first five months of 2026.
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Nothing has been signed yet, but the situation has clearly changed in significance. A BYD factory in France is no longer just a rumor: it is now one of the most closely watched industrial scenarios at the moment.
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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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