Chinese automaker BYD is close to making a decision regarding the location of its second European factory, according to a company advisor. This decision is part of the electric vehicle giant's strategy of rapid expansion in the European market, as competition intensifies in the sector.
According to Alfredo Altavilla, BYD's special advisor for Europe, a decision could be made soon regarding the acquisition of an existing industrial site. The group is specifically examining brownfield automotive industrial sites that are already in operation, with the aim of redeveloping them to accelerate its local production.
Two countries are currently competing to host this strategic investment: Spain and France. These options involve taking over former factories belonging to traditional manufacturers, an approach that would allow BYD to reduce production time.
According to the advisor, teams from the Chinese manufacturer are currently exploring opportunities in several European jurisdictions. He indicated that the group was "close to an agreement," while emphasizing the need to accelerate the process within a European regulatory context increasingly geared towards local production, particularly with the so-called "Made in Europe" rules.
This strategy comes at a time when the European automotive industry is facing overcapacity challenges and a costly transition to electrification. Established manufacturers are seeking to optimize their production sites, while new entrants like BYD are taking advantage of these restructurings to establish a presence.
The Chinese group's final decision is expected soon and could redraw the map of electric vehicle production in Europe, in a market where industrial and technological stakes remain particularly competitive.
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