BYD weighs building a new manufacturing plant in France amid EU trade limits

At a press briefing before the Paris Auto Show, BYD’s vice-president Stella Li confirmed that the Chinese electric-vehicle maker is evaluating a French location for a future factory. She said the move would be part of a broader strategy to add a second and third plant in Europe after the Hungarian facility is expected to open by year-end. Li highlighted BYD’s “long-term commitment” and desire for French consumers to view the brand as a local company.

The announcement follows a recent EU decision to restrict Chinese hybrid car imports to 350,000 units per year, less than half current levels, as Brussels seeks to address a perceived trade imbalance. Li declined to provide details on the new EU-China accord but reiterated plans for massive European investment.