BYD requests to join ACEA, marking a first for Chinese manufacturers

BYD, a global leader in electric vehicle production, has officially requested to become a member of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), according to a spokesperson for the association.

So far, no decision has been made regarding the membership of this Chinese manufacturer, but if accepted, BYD will become the first car manufacturer from China to join ACEA, an organization based in Brussels that represents the interests of the automotive industry before the institutions of the European Union. Currently, ACEA has 17 members, mostly European, but also includes companies from outside the region, such as Ford and Honda. Joining ACEA would increase BYD's influence in a competitive landscape, where it faces European automotive giants like Volkswagen and Stellantis.

Additionally, BYD is building a factory in Hungary, its first unit in Europe, which will start mass production soon, thus helping the company avoid additional tariffs imposed by the EU. Other Chinese companies, such as Chery Automobile, are adopting similar strategies to expand their presence in Europe.