BYD prepares major expansion in Europe: doubling dealers by 2026

BYD doubles its strength in Europe: 2,000 dealers by 2026. The impact of the expansion and ambitions on the Romanian market

Chinese manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams), a global leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs) and a formidable rival to Tesla, has announced an unprecedentedly rapid European expansion plan. If by the end of 2025 the company aims to reach 1,000 points of sale on the Old Continent, the goal for the end of 2026 is to double this network, reaching an impressive total of 2,000 dealers.

This ultra-aggressive move underlines the Chinese giant's clear intention to position itself as a dominant player, competing directly with traditional European car brands.

European Expansion: From Challenger to Major Player

The strategic announcement came from Maria Grazia Davino, BYD Europe regional director, who stressed the need to create a close connection with the local market. “In line with successful competitors, we need to have proximity and gain proximity with European customers,” said the brand official.

This massive dealer network expansion strategy is essential to overcome European consumers' initial suspicion of Chinese brands. A vast network of 2,000 points of sale means not only more showrooms, but also:

1. Improving After-Sales Services: A critical factor in Europeans' purchasing decisions is fast and efficient access to service and spare parts. Doubling the network solves this logistical problem.
2. Increased Trust: Physical proximity reinforces the perception of stability and long-term commitment to the market.
3. Accessibility: Multiple points of sale facilitate test drives and shorten waiting times for customers.

The expansion plan is backed by solid numbers. In the first nine months of 2025, BYD sold 120,342 cars in Europe, a jump of more than 90,000 vehicles compared to the same period in 2024, demonstrating that the market appetite for its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) is growing. In fact, the company expects PHEV models to become dominant in European sales in 2026-2027.

Factory in Europe: Avoiding Customs Duties

The dealer network expansion is complemented by major plans to localize production, a strategic move aimed at countering the European Union's investigation into subsidies to Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and potential tariffs.

BYD already has a plant under construction in Hungary (Szeged), where production is scheduled to start by the end of 2025, with the first European model likely to be the compact Dolphin Surf. A plant is also planned in Turkey and the establishment of a third production unit is being intensively evaluated. Spain is considered the main candidate, due to its competitive manufacturing costs and developed industrial infrastructure.

BYD officials announced that, in the next two to three years (by 2028), the goal is for all cars sold on the continent to be manufactured locally, thus eliminating the risk of tariffs and shortening supply chains.

BYD's presence in Romania: Market Leader by 2030

Romania is a key piece in the Eastern European penetration strategy. Although it entered the local market in 2025, BYD immediately showed big ambitions:

• Aggressive Network: From a rapid debut, the dealer network aims to reach 30 points of sale by the end of 2025, with a medium-term goal of 60 dealers in the next three years.
• Peak Ambition: The brand's stated objective is to become the market leader in Romania by 2030, competing directly with established brands.
• Product Strategy: BYD has brought to the Romanian market a wide range of electric models (Dolphin, Atto 2, Seal, Sealion 7) and plug-in hybrids (Seal U DM-i, Seal 5 DM-i), relying on a complete equipment approach included in the base price, a strategy that distances itself from competitors' tendency to offer essential features as optional.

Cities such as Bucharest, Ia?i, Bra?ov, Timi?oara, Cluj, Constan?a and Pite?ti were the first targeted for the opening of showrooms, ensuring essential geographical coverage.

What This Expansion Means for the European Market

The 2,000 dealer plan, coupled with massive investments in local factories, is not just a figure, but a declaration of trade war:

• Price Pressure: BYD is using its competitive advantage of vertical integration (producing batteries, engines and semiconductors in-house) to offer aggressive pricing. The expansion of the network also adds an element of logistical convenience for the customer to this equation, putting enormous pressure on the profit margins of European manufacturers.
• Accelerating the EV Transition: By bringing well-equipped and affordable models to market, BYD is accelerating the adoption of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, offering viable alternatives to customers accustomed to domestic brands.
• Changing Perception: Acting as a "successful competitor" (as Maria Grazia Davino mentioned) through investments in physical networks and factories, BYD is rapidly distancing itself from the image of a simple Asian importer, aiming to be perceived as a European car brand in less than five years.

In conclusion, BYD's decision to double its dealer network in Europe by 2026 is the clearest signal yet that the European auto market is on the verge of a structural transformation. For consumers, this means fiercer competition and, most likely, better prices, while for European giants, it represents a challenge that they must urgently respond to, not only through innovation, but also through cost efficiency.