Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD is set to expand its European operations with the launch of a new factory in Hungary, as the company's CEO Stella Li announced plans to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2026. However, in a surprise move, BYD will put its Turkish factory project on hold, opting instead to seek out an alternative location within the European continent. BYD has been rapidly expanding its global footprint in recent years, and the decision to pause work on the Turkish factory suggests the company is seeking a more favorable location for its European operations. As the global demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, BYD's strategic expansion into Europe is likely to be closely watched by industry observers.
BYD will start production at its new plant in Hungary in the fourth quarter of 2026, while pausing work on a factory in Turkey to focus on finding another site in Europe, BYD boss Stella Li said.
