BYD wants French drivers to see it as a local company — and a factory in France could be its next step.
“France is on the shortlist,” vice-president Stella Li said at the opening of the Paris Motor Show. “We are looking very closely at the possibility of setting up a plant in France.”
Li said her objectives were simple: she wants “people in France to think that BYD is a French company. I want them to like it”.
She added that BYD “will try to open a second and a third plant in Europe”.
The group’s vice-president spoke as BYD prepares to open a plant in Hungary by the end of this year, she said.
China agreed on Friday to “moderate” exports of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles to the EU, according to European trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
According to Li, the Chinese group “has a strong commitment in Europe” and intends “to become a local company in every region of the world”.
A dealer network gaining ground in France
BYD is already relying on a well-established distribution network in France. The Chinese manufacturer has forged partnerships with major French automotive groups such as Bymycar, Emil Frey and Bodemer. These dealers handle sales and after-sales service for its vehicles in the country’s main cities.
In July, BYD said it had around 115 dealerships in France. The brand is continuing to expand through established local dealers. BYD registered 13,935 passenger vehicles in France in the first half of 2026, up 136% from a year earlier, according to the company.
BYD’s expansion comes as electric car registrations across the EU rise sharply, against a backdrop of record fuel prices.
Additional sources • AFP