Renault's Rejection of BYD: A Blow to Electric Vehicle Ambitions? In a surprising move, Chinese automaker BYD has revealed that it attempted to partner with French car giant Renault on two separate occasions, only to be rebuffed both times. BYD's proposal, which would have seen the Chinese company become a shareholder in Renault, offered a tantalizing prospect: access to Renault's extensive manufacturing network in exchange for BYD's cutting-edge battery and electric vehicle technology. The move has sparked speculation about the motivations behind Renault's decision, with some suggesting that the French company may be hesitant to cede control of its valuable manufacturing assets. As the global electric vehicle market continues to heat up, BYD's rejection by Renault serves as a reminder of the intense competition and strategic maneuvering that is shaping the industry's future.


BYD approached Renault twice to become a shareholder but was turned down both times. The Chinese automaker offered its battery and EV tech in return for access to Renault factories.