BYD Plans European Truck Launch and Local Manufacturing

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD plans to launch its first heavy-duty truck in Europe next year. Speaking at the IAA trade fair in Hanover, Executive Vice President Stella Li announced that the company intends to eventually produce all products sold in Europe locally to integrate into the regional market and avoid import tariffs.

To support fleet operators, BYD aims to provide a comprehensive service package that includes financing, a workshop network, and solar-powered charging infrastructure. This strategic shift toward local manufacturing follows efforts by European manufacturers, including Traton's MAN brand, to persuade the European Union to impose tariffs on Chinese electric trucks.

Beyond heavy-duty vehicles, the company is expanding its regional footprint with a passenger-car factory in Szeged, Hungary. Mass production at the Hungarian facility is scheduled to begin next year.