by Key Points of BYD’s Expansion in Europe
Situation in the German Automotive Market
Chinese automakers are intensifying their global expansion, trying to outpace local brands on their home turf. A prime example is Germany, where BYD is making a powerful market breakthrough.
Particular attention is drawn to the fact that this process is being led by former Stellantis top managers: BYD’s Regional Director for Europe, Maria Grazia Davino, and the head of the German subsidiary, Lars Bialkowski.
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Reaction of Car Dealers and Management’s Position
Despite the standard practice of changing jobs, information has emerged about a mass transition of Stellantis dealers to cooperation with BYD. This situation is causing dissatisfaction in Rüsselsheim, where the Opel headquarters is located.
Maria Grazia Davino denies accusations of actively poaching dealers:
Lars Bialkowski and I did not call dealers we knew before. On the contrary – they approached us, seeing BYD’s potential.
Bialkowski added that such a turn of events is entirely natural, as the Chinese brand offers dealers significant opportunities for growth and profit.
Network Growth Dynamics and Market Indicators
Despite selling fewer than 8,600 cars in Germany over eight months, the company is showing impressive expansion rates. Until recently, the brand had only 26 dealers, but now their number has exceeded 50, and by the end of the year, it is planned to reach 120 sales points.
For 2026, the company has set even more ambitious goals – 300 dealerships, which, according to Bialkowski, is the minimum necessary number to capture a significant market share.
Problems of Rapid Growth and Future Plans
However, the rapid expansion is already causing concern. One dealer expressed the opinion that the BYD network is developing too quickly and such a pace is unsustainable. It is also noted that only 12% of registrations are from private customers, indicating a significant share of corporate orders, including from car rental companies.
However, the company’s management assures that
demand significantly exceeds our current capabilities
, and Bialkowski added that the goal is to reach sales of 50,000 cars in the German market as quickly as possible.
BYD’s rapid advancement in the European market demonstrates a shift in the balance of power in the automotive industry. The successful recruitment of experienced managers from local manufacturers allows Chinese companies to adapt more effectively to local conditions, posing serious competition for European brands. Particularly indicative is BYD’s ability to attract established dealer networks, which indicates the business community’s confidence in the prospects of the Chinese manufacturer in the region.
