PARIS, (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is closely studying the possibility of setting up a factory in France, its executive vice president Stella Li told local TV station BFM on Monday, as the group pushes for further expansion in Europe.
- BYD has already announced it will produce cars in Hungary, with the launch expected in the fourth quarter
- It is aiming to build two more plants in Europe, Li told BFM Business in an interview on the sidelines of the Paris auto show, adding that France could be a possible location
- “France is on the shortlist because your energy is very competitively priced,” Li said, according to the report, adding that the group is “closely examining” options for a plant in the country.
- Chinese automakers are scouring Europe for production sites ahead of expected EU local content rules designed to protect the region’s industry from a surge in exports from China
Reporting by Dominique Patton; editing by Kirsten Donovan
