BYD Weighs Building a Factory in France, Executive Says

BYD is evaluating the possibility of constructing a manufacturing plant in France, according to a company executive who spoke with BFM. The disclosure points to the Chinese automaker’s continued push to grow its European manufacturing footprint, even as it keeps multiple options open across the continent.

The executive’s remarks, reported by Reuters, did not include a timeline, a specific location, or a production capacity target for any French facility. BYD has already committed to building a passenger car plant in Hungary and has announced plans for another in Turkey. Those projects are part of a broader effort to localize production inside Europe and reduce exposure to import duties that affect vehicles shipped from China.

A plant in France would place BYD inside one of the region’s largest automotive markets and give it closer access to French buyers, who have shown growing interest in affordable electric and plug-in hybrid models. France has also been shaping policies aimed at supporting domestic EV manufacturing, which makes local production an attractive proposition for brands looking to strengthen their position in the country.

Still, the executive’s comments amount to a study, not a final decision. BYD has not confirmed that France is its preferred next location, and the company is known to review several countries before committing to a site. The evaluation could also depend on demand trends, supply chain readiness and the availability of incentives at both national and EU levels.

If BYD moves forward, a French factory would add to a European industrial strategy that is already taking shape. For now, the company appears to be keeping its options open while signaling that further investment in Europe remains on the table.