TL;DR
BYD is negotiating to take over underused European manufacturing plants from Stellantis and other companies to support its expansion amid rising EV demand. The company prefers full ownership and is exploring multiple sites across Europe.
BYD is actively negotiating to acquire underutilized manufacturing plants in Europe from Stellantis and other automakers to boost its electric vehicle production capacity, as demand for EVs continues to rise across the continent.
According to Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, the company is seeking to take over European plants to utilize spare capacity and expand its presence in the region. Li confirmed that BYD is in discussions not only with Stellantis but also with other companies, aiming for full ownership rather than joint ventures. The company has already begun trial production at a new facility in Hungary and plans to open a $1 billion EV plant in Turkey by the end of 2026. These moves come amid a significant increase in overseas EV sales, with BYD selling 135,000 vehicles abroad in April—up 70% year-over-year—and nearly half a million vehicles sold in the first four months of 2026.
Stellantis recently announced plans to transfer ownership of its plant in Spain to Leapmotor, a Chinese EV brand, as part of its broader partnership expansion with Chinese companies. Meanwhile, BYD has launched its Denza luxury sub-brand in Europe, with models now available in five countries and plans to expand to 30 by year-end. The company’s interest in acquiring European plants aligns with its strategy to leverage existing manufacturing infrastructure to meet the soaring demand for EVs, driven partly by rising fuel prices and increased consumer interest across Europe.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it indicates a strategic shift among legacy automakers like Stellantis towards divesting underutilized assets in Europe, creating opportunities for Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD to expand rapidly. The potential takeover could accelerate BYD’s growth in Europe, challenging established brands like Tesla and Volkswagen, and further intensifying the global EV price and competition wars. It also reflects broader industry trends of consolidation and strategic asset reallocation amid rising EV demand and geopolitical shifts.
European EV manufacturing plant
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Background
Over the past year, Chinese EV brands have aggressively expanded into international markets, especially Europe, where they have gained market share by offering lower-cost, technologically advanced vehicles. BYD’s overseas sales surged in early 2026, with record growth in key markets such as the UK, where it became the top-selling EV brand through April. Meanwhile, legacy automakers like Stellantis are reassessing their European manufacturing footprint amid declining sales and the need to focus on electrification. Stellantis’ recent plans to transfer ownership of a Spanish plant to Leapmotor further exemplify this trend. BYD’s interest in acquiring European plants is part of its broader strategy to establish a strong local manufacturing base to support its rapid global expansion.
“We are looking for any available plant in Europe to utilize spare capacity, and we are in discussions with multiple companies, including Stellantis.”
— Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President
“BYD’s move to acquire underutilized plants could significantly boost its European presence and challenge traditional automakers, especially as EV demand continues to grow.”
— An industry analyst
TOUCAN RC HOBBY 1/50 RC Electric Lifting Tracked Loader LR636 2.4G Construction Vehicle Metal Bucket Tracks Ripper RTR Model Light Sound Battery for Adult
When the product's boom and bucket reach their highest position, the clicking sound and slight shaking occur due…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear which specific plants are involved, the timeline for any potential acquisitions, or the final terms of these deals. Discussions are ongoing, and formal agreements have not been announced.
AOOSEDOO PTFE Hose Assembly Tool, Hose Reaming Tool For 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, 10AN PTFE Fuel Line Assembly. With a Double-ended AN Fittings Wrench 6AN Socket- AN8 B-nut, Blue
Complete Set For Hose Assembly : The set included a PTFE hose reaming tool and a double-ended AN…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What’s Next
Further developments are expected as negotiations progress, with possible announcements of acquisitions or partnerships in the coming months. BYD’s expansion plans will likely be influenced by market conditions and regulatory factors in Europe.
MES for Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Equipment: MES for Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Equipment
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Which European plants is BYD interested in acquiring?
The specific plants are not yet identified; Stella Li mentioned discussions are ongoing with multiple companies, including Stellantis, about underutilized facilities in Italy and other countries.
When could any acquisitions be finalized?
There is no confirmed timeline; negotiations are still in progress, and no official agreements have been announced as of now.
How will this affect the European EV market?
If successful, BYD’s acquisitions could increase competition, possibly lower prices, and accelerate EV adoption across Europe by leveraging existing manufacturing infrastructure.
What is BYD’s strategy for expanding in Europe?
BYD aims to utilize existing plants, establish local manufacturing, and introduce its models through direct ownership, to meet surging demand and reduce costs.
