BYD, the renowned Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is in discussions with the French government about the possibility of establishing an EV factory in France. This development comes as part of BYD's expansion strategy into the European market. Germany and Spain are also actively engaging in talks with BYD for potential factory locations. The aim is to commence production in 2025, marking the launch of BYD's first European-made electric passenger vehicles.

BYD's decision to consider France as a potential location for their EV factory follows the closure of their French e-bus plant due to low demand. Despite the setback, BYD expressed its commitment to remaining active in the French market. The final decision on the factory's location is expected to be made this year, and the UK has been ruled out due to Brexit implications.

Stella Li, BYD's Vice President, previously confirmed that the company has plans to establish one or possibly two European plants for electric passenger vehicles. In 2022, BYD announced its intentions to sell vehicles across several European countries, including Germany, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, France, and the UK. The selection of the optimal location for the factory is a crucial step in supporting BYD's rapid expansion in Europe.

Furthermore, BYD is actively pursuing global growth beyond Europe and Asia. They recently laid the foundation stone for a new plant in Thailand, scheduled to commence operations in 2024. Discussions are also underway for potential factories in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. In the United States, BYD's California plant is currently producing electric buses, while the company plans to focus on the bus market rather than passenger vehicle production or sales in North America.

Source: Carnewschina