BYD (1211.HK) seeks idle European plants in talks with Stellantis (STLA)

BYD is in talks with Stellantis and other automakers to buy underused European car plants as the Chinese EV maker accelerates its regional expansion, a company vice president said on May 15, 2026. The discussions come as BYD looks to deepen manufacturing capacity in Europe amid rising trade barriers and pressure to localize production. The talks include potential opportunities tied to Stellantis assets, while BYD is also eyeing Maserati, according to the report. Any deal would strengthen BYD’s European footprint and could help the company reduce exposure to import tariffs while competing more directly with legacy automakers in premium and mass-market segments.