BYD considers a plant in France and says it is confident despite EU-China trade tensions

A plant in France under consideration

The Chinese carmaker BYD does not rule out setting up a plant in France. Speaking on BFM Business on Monday, October 12, 2026, Stella Li, presented as the brand's vice president, said that "France is on the short-list." She put forward one argument: the energy available in the country is, in her view, very competitive.

She added that BYD is looking very closely at the possibility of setting up a production site in France. According to BFM Business, the group intends to pursue its expansion in Europe to the point of considering two new car plants on the continent.

An ambition that goes beyond production

Stella Li stressed that the project is not limited to factories. The group also wants to support local dealers. Its goal, she explained, is for French consumers to like BYD and to see the brand as a French brand.

Hungary: a delayed timeline

According to BFM Business, BYD may have delayed the launch of its production in Hungary. It is now expected in the fourth quarter. The outlet notes that this delay does not prevent the brand from wanting to continue expanding in Europe.

Trade tensions seen as temporary

The executive showed little concern about rising trade tensions between Europe and China. BFM Business reports that at the end of last week, Brussels managed to secure a slowdown in Chinese sales to the European market, particularly for hybrids.

The outlet also reports that the EU-27 are debating the Industrial Accelerator Act, presented as a measure that could also curb trade flows by imposing local production quotas on non-European brands. Stella Li described these regulatory difficulties as "short-term."

The Chinese market under pressure

Regarding the situation in China, BFM Business describes a market where several of the 120 car brands are competing for customers in a fierce price war. Stella Li acknowledged that the problem is the market contraction, while asserting that BYD is doing very well and that its sales remain number 1. She linked this position, particularly since March, to the launch of the brand's "flash" charging system.

What is expected this week

According to BFM Business, BYD will present these systems in Paris this week. They would be capable of recharging a car in just a few minutes.

Analysis. Based solely on the statements reported, BYD's European strategy combines local production, a sales network and charging technology. However, Stella Li's remarks remain intentions: France is on a short list, with no decision announced at this stage, and the Hungarian timeline has already changed.