BYD is considering France as a potential location for another European manufacturing plant as the Chinese automaker seeks to strengthen its regional presence, expand its dealer network and introduce additional electric vehicle technologies to the market.
Speaking at the opening of the Paris Motor Show 2026, BYD Vice-President Stella Li confirmed that France is among the locations under consideration.
France is on the shortlist.
Li said the company was examining the possibility of establishing a factory in France.
We are looking very closely at the possibility of setting up a plant in France.
BYD also wants to strengthen its local identity among French consumers. Li said she wants “people in France to think that BYD is a French company. I want them to like it”.
She added that the company intends to expand its European manufacturing footprint further, saying BYD “will try to open a second and a third plant in Europe”.
The comments come as BYD prepares to open a plant in Hungary by the end of 2026, according to Li. The company has not confirmed a location, investment amount or production timeline for a potential French facility.
Dealer Network Supports French Expansion
BYD is building its French presence through partnerships with automotive distribution groups, including Bymycar, Emil Frey and Bodemer. These partners manage vehicle sales and after-sales services in major French cities.
In July 2026, BYD said it had approximately 115 dealerships in France. The company registered 13,935 passenger vehicles in the country during the first half of 2026, representing a 136% increase compared with the same period a year earlier, according to company figures.
BYD’s European expansion is taking place amid trade discussions between China and the European Union. European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said China had agreed to “moderate” exports of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles to the EU.
Denza Plans European Driver-Assistance Launch in 2027
BYD’s premium brand Denza plans to introduce its God’s Eye City Navigation Driving Assistant, known as CNOA, in Europe in 2027.
The Denza Z9 GT station wagon is expected to be the first model in the region to receive the technology. The system is planned to reach the vehicle through an over-the-air software update, subject to the required European type approval.
The planned introduction would extend BYD’s advanced driver-assistance technology to its European lineup. The company has not announced further details on the rollout schedule or the markets that will receive the system first.
Atto 8 Brings Flash Charging to Europe
BYD also unveiled the Atto 8, a seven-seat electric SUV, at the Paris Motor Show 2026. The model features the company’s second-generation Blade Battery and Flash Charging technology.
The Atto 8 is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in the first quarter of 2027. BYD has not yet announced European pricing.
The SUV expands the company’s electric vehicle offering in the region, while the planned Denza CNOA rollout adds another element to its European technology strategy.
Together, the manufacturing discussions, dealer expansion and upcoming vehicle launches reflect BYD’s efforts to build a broader presence in Europe through local distribution, potential production investment and additional vehicle technologies.