Chinese automaker BYD made two unsuccessful attempts within two years to acquire a stake in Renault, according to a report published by French financial newspaper Les Échos.
The report, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter, said BYD sought an ownership stake in Renault as part of a strategy to gain access to the French automaker’s manufacturing facilities in Europe.
According to one source quoted by the newspaper:
“There was a desire to take control.”
The report said Renault rejected both proposals, maintaining its position of not entering into such ownership arrangements in its core European market.
Neither BYD nor Renault has publicly confirmed that the discussions took place.
Renault Continues Partnership Strategy
According to Les Échos, BYD first approached Renault around two years ago.
At the time, Renault was strengthening its strategic relationship with Chinese automaker Geely. Geely acquired a 34% stake in Renault Korea Motors in 2022 and later invested in Renault do Brasil in 2025.
The two companies also partnered with Saudi energy company Aramco to establish Horse Powertrain, a joint venture focused on internal combustion engine technologies.
While Renault has pursued international partnerships, the newspaper said the company has continued to view Europe as a strategic market where it prefers to retain control.
Second Proposal Reportedly Made in 2025
The newspaper reported that BYD made a second approach in the autumn of 2025, again proposing to acquire a stake in Renault.
According to the report, such an arrangement would have allowed Renault to benefit from BYD’s electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid technologies, as well as its battery manufacturing capabilities.
In return, BYD would have gained access to Renault’s production facilities across Europe.
However, the report said Renault concluded that the proposal extended beyond a strategic partnership because BYD was seeking a controlling position.
BYD Continues European Expansion
Although the reported discussions remain unconfirmed, BYD has publicly stated that Europe remains a key market for its international expansion.
The company is building an electric vehicle factory in Hungary, while plans for a second manufacturing facility in Turkey have reportedly been delayed.
BYD Europe Chief Executive Stella Li recently said the company is looking for a production site in Southern Europe.
“We would prefer to take over an existing plant,” Li said during a recent media event in Berlin.
According to Les Échos, Li has also indicated on another occasion that BYD is evaluating potential acquisitions of established automotive brands, with Italian luxury marque Maserati reportedly among the names of interest.