© BYD
Little known on this side of the Globe, BYD is nevertheless a key player in the automotive industry, especially electric. The Chinese brand should get to know France in October.
It is by a simple press release that the Chinese car giant confirmed its presence at the Paris Motor Show and at the same time its arrival in France. BYD is a manufacturer unknown to the general public, but it is also a key player in the automotive industry since it is quite simply the second manufacturer in the world in terms of electric vehicles sold (in this ranking, Tesla is first and Volkswagen third ). Admittedly, most of its BYD / “Build your dreams” business is built on the Chinese domestic market. In Europe, only Norway has a fairly thin distribution network, since only one model is sold there, the Tang, a 100% electric SUV.
BYD therefore aims to become a mass-market manufacturer present all over the world and is beginning its expansion strategy. The Chinese brand will participate in the Mondial de Paris from October 17 to 23. The event should be synonymous with the arrival of the brand on the Old Continent. Indeed, for several months now, rumors have been evoking a joint launch in several European countries before the end of 2022. As for France, the choice of the Paris Motor Show confirms that France is one of the main targeted markets. by the brand.
Which models will BYD launch in Europe?
If the list of countries in which BYD will establish itself is not yet official, this is also the case for that of the models it will distribute there. The Chinese manufacturer does not have a large catalog: two SUVs, a city car, a compact, two sedans and a minivan. If the Tang, the 100% electric SUV, seems to be the ideal vehicle to represent the brand in Europe, BYD could as well try to adapt, or even overtake its main rivals.
Indeed, the manufacturer could be tempted to market the Han, its rival sedan of the Tesla Model 3. With 605 km of autonomy, a 0 to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds and a fairly high level of equipment. Another possibility: BYD could launch on the European market the EA1, its electric compact which aims for 1,000 km of autonomy. On a market fond of compacts, this model which inaugurates the new platform of the manufacturer, as well as a new cell technology on its battery, would have many advantages.
New pretender, old ways
If BYD’s attentions are obvious, its method is surprising. Indeed, at a time when a growing number of manufacturers are abandoning motor shows (Audi, Toyota, BMW or Hyundai/Kia will not be at the Paris Motor Show), the Chinese manufacturer sees this as the best possible way to enter a new territory. Certainly, the brand’s lack of notoriety may impose this type of strategy on it, but this is not the choice that has been made by the majority of the other Asian manufacturers who are aiming to arrive in Europe in the coming months.