BYD Eyes Hungary for First European BEV Factory

German newspaper sources claim the Chinese BEV giant was wooed by Hungary's prime minister on a recent trip.

Paul Myles, European Editor

November 6, 2023

1 Min Read
BYD Dolphin BEV
BYD's entry-level Dolphin BEV could begin production in Europe.

Chinese battery-electric vehicle maker BYD is planning to build its first production plant in Europe, according to a German weekend newspaper.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS) claims the automaker expects to site this factory in Hungary following Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s two-week visit to China. A local government website in Shenzhen, where BYD is headquartered, says Hungary’s leader met there with BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu, who presented his company’s latest BEV models during a  factory visit.

According to the newspaper's sources, Orbán also was received warmly in Beijing where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping who commented: “We consider you a friend.” While other European Union nations have been trying to reduce reliance on trade with China, Hungary has maintained and deepened its close relations with the world’s second-largest economy.

BYD confirms to the Reuters news agency that it is still looking for the right location and will make an announcement at the end of the year. The Hungarian government has yet to comment on the matter.

About the Author

Paul Myles

European Editor, Informa Group

Paul Myles is an award-winning journalist based in Europe covering all aspects of the automotive industry. He has a wealth of experience in the field working at specialist, national and international levels.

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