BYD in talks to take over European factories from Stellantis

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are aggressively expanding into European markets, with major brands showcasing their latest models at the Beijing auto show, the world's largest car exhibition. German consumer Erik Böhme's recent visit to the show described it as an eye-opener, highlighting the vast array of EV brands already gaining traction in Europe. This comes as Chinese EV maker BYD confirmed on May 13 that it is negotiating with Stellantis and other European automakers to take over underused factories in the region, according to a Bloomberg News report citing the company's top international executive. Reuters could not immediately verify the details of the report. The negotiations represent a significant shift in the global automotive landscape, as Chinese manufacturers seek to establish European production capacity amid growing competition in the continent's EV market. By acquiring or taking over existing facilities, companies like BYD could potentially sidestep logistics challenges and tariff concerns while strengthening their presence closer to European consumers. The timing of these discussions coincides with broader tensions in the EV sector, as European and Chinese automakers compete for market share in the transition to electric mobility.