- The large presence of BYD at the annual Paris Motor Show demonstrates that BYD is here to stay, particularly within the European Union, despite an additional tariff of 17% placed against the automaker by the EU.
- This was further demonstrated with the release of a new fully-electric BYD SUV at the show, alongside other EVs from the manufacturer which aren’t sold in Europe just yet – hinting at its future plans to bring an even wider range of EVs to the European market.
- Whilst these tariffs have no doubt caused a headache for BYD, the manufacturer reiterated its commitment to build EV manufacturing facilities inside the EU, helping to skirt the extra tariffs.
BYD’s European push continues
BYD only made its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show two years ago, where it previewwed three fully-electric cars destined for Europe, in the form of the Atto 3, HAN, and TANG models. This year, it confirmed that the BYD SEALION 7, already sold in China, will also be making its way to European markets. As a midsize electric SUV, it’ll have plenty of competition, in the form of cars such as the Tesla Model Y and new Ford Explorer.
BYD Europe Managing Director, Michael Shu, commented on the manufacturer’s expansion:
“In 2022, BYD made our brand debut for Europe in Paris. Never ever had three pure-electric cars been launched here at the one time, and this showed BYD’s respect for the European market. Now, just two years later, we have eight models to offer.”
Other EVs were also on display at the event, despite European releases for these not being officially confirmed, such as BYD’s luxury-focused and all-electric YANGWANG brand. The ultra-cheap BYD Seagull was absent, though this is rumoured to hit European markets next year.
Speaking to Reuters, BYD Executive Vice President, Stella Li, denounced the recent tariffs, warning that the bill will be passed to consumers. Li is not alone in her criticisms, with several European countries also having voted against the implementation of such tariffs. However, BYD now plans to build nearly all of its Europe-bound EVs within Hungary, helping to avoid those extra charges recently imposed, with Li adding that the lowest price it would be able to target in Europe currently is the €30,000 mark.