BYD’s Wild Offensive

The Chinese giant BYD has set a target of 250,000 exports and is expected to announce the location of its new European factory soon.

Last year, BYD sold 60,000 units in Europe, and this year, in the first eight months, the Chinese manufacturer has already sold nearly 120,000 cars. The goal of 250,000 foreign private car sales is therefore far from unrealistic.

First and foremost, BYD’s range has expanded. Once isolated a year ago, the Atto 3 was initially joined in the catalog by Tang and Han, revealed at the Paris Motor Show. With the recent addition of Seal and Dolphin, five models are now available in Europe. This could be enough to create an impressive display, but BYD is not stopping there and has also unveiled Seal U (U for Utility), which can be considered the SUV version of the Seal sedan, similar to what Tesla has done with the Model 3 and Model Y. This BYD Seal U will be launched in the first half of 2024.

BYD weaves its net

But to sell cars, a network is needed. The Shenzhen-based manufacturer has opened 100 stores in Europe and plans to open 100 more by the end of the year. BYD uses the dealership model in the Old Continent. A model that was thought to be outdated but has the advantage of proximity to consumers. Reassuring for a brand seeking notoriety. In Germany, where it plans to open 30 stores by the end of 2023, it cooperates with seven dealers and has opened nine stores so far. Beyond expanding its network, BYD is considering building its first factory in Europe. The location should be decided by the end of the year. A wise choice, as France is launching a reflection on an ecological bonus linked to carbon footprint. BYD is also building factories in Thailand and Brazil and already has a production site in Uzbekistan.

Just in July, BYD sold 717 units in Europe thanks to this highly aggressive strategy. A figure that is not astonishing, but that represents 183% more than the same period last year. And this is just the beginning…