BYD joins queue of Chinese OEMs eyeing underutilised European vehicle plants

BYD is negotiating with European vehicle manufacturers including Stellantis to utilise their underutilised production facilities in Europe, including in Italy. It follows an agreement between Stellantis and Leapmotor, struck earlier in May, for the latter to utilise Stellantis factories. BYD’s sales of passenger car & light duty EVs (PC & LDV EVs) more than doubled in Europe in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This growth has been supported by the ramp-up of PHEV deliveries as well as new model launches.