Brazil prosecutors sue BYD for violating labor rights
Prosecutors are seeking 257 million reais ($45 million) in moral damages from BYD and two other companies, according to the statement.
($1 = 5.6573 reais)
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Reuters
12 hours ago
- Reuters
Exclusive: BYD to delay mass production at new Hungarian plant, make fewer EVs, sources say
July 22 (Reuters) - China's BYD will delay mass production at its new electric vehicle factory in Hungary until 2026 and will run the plant at below capacity for at least the first two years, two sources familiar with the matter said. At the same time, China's No. 1 automaker will start making cars earlier than expected at a new plant in Turkey where labour costs are lower, and will vastly exceed its announced production plans, one of the sources said. Shifting production away from Hungary in favour of Turkey would be a setback for the European Union, which has been hoping that its tariffs on EVs made in China would bring in Chinese investments and well-paid manufacturing jobs. BYD's 4 billion euro ($4.64 billion) plant in Szeged, in southern Hungary, will start mass production in 2026 but only make a few tens of thousands of vehicles over the whole year, the sources said. That would be a fraction of the plant's initial production capacity of 150,000 vehicles BYD ( opens new tab. It should eventually have a maximum capacity of 300,000 cars per year. A third source confirmed the slower 2026 start-up. BYD has said it will launch operations at Szeged in October, but has not said publicly when mass production will start. Production at Szeged is due to increase in 2027, but will still be below planned capacity, the sources said. Meanwhile, the automaker's $1 billion plant in Turkey, which had been slated to start production at the end of 2026 with an annual capacity of 150,000 cars, will make more cars than the Hungarian plant next year, one of the sources said. Production at the plant in Manisa, western Turkey, will far exceed 150,000 cars in 2027 and BYD will greatly increase output again in 2028, the source added. BYD did not respond to requests for comment. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss BYD's production plans publicly. BYD is building the plant in Hungary to sell cars in Europe tariff free. All the cars it currently sells in Europe are made in China, and subject to EU anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese-made EV imports on top of the standard 10% duty. In BYD's case, the total tariff is 27%. Many of the cars made at the new plant in Turkey will also be destined for Europe and face no tariffs when exported to the European Union. A shift toward cheaper production in Turkey would highlight the challenge for Chinese carmakers that want to build cars in Europe to avoid punitive tariffs, but balk at the region's higher wages and energy costs. Under right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Hungary, which will be the headquarters for BYD's European operations, has become an important trade and investment partner for China. Turkey has long served as a low-cost manufacturing hub for major automakers including Toyota, Stellantis ( opens new tab, Ford (F.N), opens new tab, Hyundai ( opens new tab and Renault ( opens new tab. In March, the Turkish government said China's Chery ( will invest $1 billion in a plant with an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles. BYD is expanding rapidly outside its home market China, where it faces a vicious price war. Reuters reported last month BYD has slowed its expansion in China by reducing shifts at some factories and delaying adding new production lines. The change in production plans comes as BYD overhauls its European operations following strategic missteps that included failing to sign up enough dealers and hire executives with local-market knowledge, and offering hybrids in markets resistant to fully-electric cars. Demand for BYD's EVs, which are cheaper than European rivals' models, is soaring in the region. S&P Global Mobility has estimated the No.1 Chinese automaker will sell 186,000 vehicles in Europe this year, up from 83,000 units in 2024, and expects sales to double again to just under 400,000 units by 2029. BYD has begun ramping up operations at its plant in Brazil, but has also been sued by Brazilian prosecutors over alleged labour abuses involving Chinese contractors hired to build the complex. In Hungary, the automaker had planned to install production line machinery by September at the Szeged plant, first announced in 2023, the two sources said. But in recent months it has delayed tooling of the production line, which is being built in one of its manufacturing hubs in China, the sources added. BYD's plans for Szeged may change. Over the last year, executives have mentioned the possibility of making a number of different models at the plant, including the Atto 2, Atto 3 and Dolphin. One source told Reuters BYD will make the popular Atto 3 and Dolphin EVs as well as its upcoming low-cost Seagull model there, while another source said it would make the Atto 2, Atto 3 and Dolphin. In Turkey, one source said BYD will make the fully-electric Seal U SUV, the Sealion 5 - though it was unclear whether it would be the fully-electric or plug-in hybrid version - plus two plug-in hybrid models, the Seal U Dmi and Seal 06 Dm-i. ($1 = 0.8627 euros)
Auto Car
2 days ago
- Auto Car
BYD is bringing a Ferrari rival to Europe!
BYD has finally confirmed plans to launch its high-end Yangwang brand in Europe, more than two years after introducing it in China. Yangwang is the Chinese company's high-end marque, sitting above the core BYD line-up and the new Denza premium brand with a range of tech-heavy, high-performance flagship models that are pitched as rivals to the likes of Bentley, Porsche and Ferrari. The brand was launched in 2023 with the Yangwang U8 - a huge range-extender luxury SUV that packs more than 1000bhp, outpaces the BMW M3, can turn 360deg on the spot and floats on water. That was followed shortly after by the U9 (pictured below), an electric supercar that cracks 240mph and can use its fully hydraulic suspension to jump on the spot or drive on three wheels. Both cars have been on sale in China for around two years, priced at the equivalent of £120,000 and £200,000 respectively, but despite showing both models at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year, BYD did not officially confirm plans for a European roll-out. But now, BYD vice president Stella Li has told Autocar that "our plan is that we will bring Yangwang into Europe", following the launch of the Audi-rivalling Denza marque early next year. She stopped short of giving full details, but said the U8 and U9 are earmarked for European sale, as well as "more cars coming" including the U7 super-saloon - a quad-motor Lotus Emeya rival with 1250bhp and 1237lb ft for a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds. The move will make BYD the first Chinese manufacturer to enter Europe's top-rung luxury market, though it remains unclear whether the company plans to significantly undercut the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Ferrari 296 on price. The costs of converting the Yangwang cars to right-hand drive, and exporting them to Europe where BYD's EVs face a 17% tariff, will mean they are likely to command a significant premium here compared to China.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Scotsman
Scottish firm John Clark Motor Group welcomes electric vehicle leaders BYD to its expanding franchise network
John Clark Motors John Clark Motor Group, the trusted family-owned and family-run automotive business, is proud to announce the addition of BYD (Build Your Dreams), a global leader in electric vehicles, to its growing portfolio of franchises. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This strategic partnership underlines the group's continued commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering an exceptional customer experience. The BYD range of electric and hybrid vehicles will be supported by a comprehensive suite of aftersales services, reflecting John Clark Motor Group's investment in the future of sustainable mobility. John Clark Motors Chris Clark, Managing Director of John Clark Motor Group, said: 'We are delighted to welcome BYD to the John Clark family. This exciting new partnership not only enhances our dealership offering but also brings the very latest in electric vehicle innovation to our customers. Chris Clark 'With plans to launch additional locations following our first site in Aberdeen, we are fully committed to BYD's growth in the UK market.' Since entering the UK in 2023, BYD has quickly gained traction with a versatile line-up of award-winning electric vehicles, including the BYD Dolphin, Atto 3, and Sealion 7. Designed with cutting-edge battery technology and extended range capabilities, each new vehicle comes with a comprehensive manufacturer's warranty of 6 years or 93,750 miles. The addition of BYD follows recent franchise expansions for the John Clark Motor Group, including the acquisitions of John Clark MG and John Clark KIA in 2024, marking a period of rapid and strategic growth. John Clark Motors About John Clark Motor Group Founded in 1974, John Clark Motor Group now represents over 19 automotive brands across 41 locations in Scotland, offering new and used car and van sales, servicing, and parts to customers throughout the north-east of Scotland and beyond.
