world
BYD and Stellantis in Talks to Produce EVs at European Plants
BYD, the world’s largest electric car maker, said it is negotiating with Stellantis to use spare capacity at its European plants as Chinese EV makers expand globally. Phate Zhang, founder of CnEVPost, said China’s EV assemblers are hunting for production sites in droves. Stellantis, which owns a 21 per cent stake in Leapmotor, deepened its partnership with the Chinese firm last week.
South China Morning PostAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
BYD is in talks with Stellantis about using idled assembly facilities in Europe to build more of its vehicles as the Shenzhen-based company expands its presence in countries like Italy. The world’s largest electric car maker said the spare capacity could help it assemble additional BYD vehicles amid surging demand for battery-powered cars driven by the global energy crisis.
Stellantis owns Peugeot, Fiat and eight other European marques.
“China’s EV assemblers are hunting for production sites or facilities in droves,” said Phate Zhang, founder of Shanghai-based data provider CnEVPost. Chinese electric vehicle makers from BYD to Leapmotor are seeking manufacturing assets across the continent, South China Morning Post reported.
Their pursuit of idled European assembly facilities owned by Stellantis and Volkswagen is reshaping competitive dynamics in the global automotive industry.
Chinese carmakers’ design and manufacturing capabilities are enabling them to emerge as international players, according to the report published at 5:50pm on 15 May 2026. Last week, Stellantis said it had deepened its strategic partnership with Leapmotor. The multinational carmaker owns a 21 per cent stake in the Chinese EV assembler.
Stellantis is aiming to add an EV production line at a Spanish factory that was previously earmarked for petrol-powered Opel units. The move forms part of its broader cooperation with Leapmotor as both companies navigate Europe’s shifting automotive landscape. BYD’s discussions with Stellantis reflect a wider trend of Chinese EV makers pursuing idled plants owned by established manufacturers.
