Are you curious how the Chinese car manufacturer Byd want to mix up the European market? In April 2025, BYD sold more electric cars in Europe for the first time than Tesla-a milestone that shows how serious the world market leader is on his European offensive. With a clever strategy of affordable prices, local production and a wide drive mix, BYD wants to win the hearts of European drivers. Here you can find out how the group is going on and what that means for you as a European driver.
Price war as a trump card
BYD puts on aggressive pricing policyto lure European customers. Models like the Byd Dolphin Surf start at 19,990 euros - A combat price that competes against small cars such as the Dacia Spring or the upcoming VW ID.2 (from 2026, approx. 25,000 euros). In Germany, where BYD 2024 only 2,891 e-cars sold, the price advantage should increase the market shares. For you, this means: affordable electric cars that compete with established brands without breaking up the budget. But be careful: Experts like Jürgen Pieper warn that the price war that rages in China could also press margins in Europe.
Local production: works in Hungary and Turkey
To be EU criminal offenses from up to 27 % BYD massively invests in Chinese electric cars European production facilities. The work in Szeged, Hungary, starts in October 2025 with a capacity of 150,000 vehicles annually and becomes models like the Byd dolphin and Atto 3 manufacture. A second work in Izmir, Türkiye, follows in March 2026 with the same capacity. A third work in Germany is planned to further shorten the supply chains. This strategy not only lowers costs, but also creates jobs in Europe. For you, this means: shorter delivery times and potentially cheaper prices through local production.
Wider drive mix: Not just e-cars
Originally, BYD only wanted to sell electric cars in Europe, but the weak demand and EU tariffs led to one Strategy change. In addition to electric cars, BYD is now putting on Plug-in hybrid and even Burner. Models like the Byd Seal u dm-i (Plug-in hybrid, over 1,000 km combined range) and the Sealion 7 (Hybrid SUV, from 2025) appeals to customers who fear the fear of range or lack of charging infrastructure. This is an advantage, especially in southern and Eastern Europe, where there is great skepticism compared to pure electric cars. For you as a driver, this offers flexibility: you can choose between electrical, hybrid or combustion models, depending on the need.
Dealer network and service: the structure is running
A weak point of BYD in Central Europe is that Dealer. There are currently only in Germany 29 sales outletswhat makes test drives or maintenance difficult. BYD plans to in the end of 2025 in 29 countries with over 1,000 branches to be present, arise in Romania alone 30 new locations. In Germany, BYD cooperates with the Auto-ABO provider Finnwhere you take off a dolphine 259 euros/month can subscribe (including taxes, maintenance, insurance). The structure of Service workshops is also crucial because European customers attach great importance to customer service. For you, this means that access to BYD is easier, but patience is still necessary until the network is nationwide.
Target markets: Focus on southern Europe and Great Britain
BYD focuses on countries with a weak domestic auto industry or preference for cheap models, such as Great Britain, Spain and Italy. In Great Britain, BYD lies in front of Fiat, Dacia and Seat in front of Fiat in new registrations. In Germany, the market is more competitive because VW, BMW and Mercedes dominate. Nevertheless, BYD traced its sales in Europe in Q1 2025 37,000 vehicles, with a focus on corporate customers (88 % of the approvals). For you as a European driver, this shows that in southern Europe you already have a good chance of finding BYD models while Central Europe still has to be made up for.
Challenges: image, tariffs and price war
Despite the success, there are hurdles. Byds Brand awareness in Europe is low, and errors such as the failed securing of the domain www.byd.de Or the little hip EM appearance 2024 (focus on linear TV instead of influencers) braked the hype. EU tariffs And allegations of Chinese subsidies make it difficult to enter the market, which is why local production is so important. In addition, the Price war, the BYDS share price in China burdened (minus 34 % by price reductions), also margins in Europe. Experts like John Murphy warn that over -ambitious plans and hard competition could make some Chinese manufacturers fail. For you, this means that cheap prices are attractive, but the long -term nature of BYD's strategy is still uncertain.
Conclusion: BYD on the advance
BYD grabs the European market with a clever mixture Combat prices, local production, Plug-in hybrid and a growing dealer network. The overtaking success against Tesla in April 2025 (7,231 vs. 7,165 new registrations) shows that the strategy works, even if Tesla struck back in May (12,782 vs. 12.341). For you as a European driver, BYD offers affordable, versatile vehicles, especially in southern Europe. However, success depends on whether BYD is expanding its dealer and service network and mastering the price war. Keep your eyes open - BYD could soon appear in your city