BYD officially enters the European market with a cheap electric hatchback model
BYD debuted its new battery-powered hatchback with an impressive drone display in the skies above Rome's Olympic Square.
The lighting effects highlight their new Dolphin Surf next to historical icons like the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Pantheon. China's largest automaker has brought to Europe not an expensive concept or concept car, but a ready-to-deliver electric vehicle.
The Dolphin Surf is expected to do what the Fiat 500 did after World War II—bringing it to millions of consumers. But this time, it will run entirely on lithium-ion batteries, leveraging the cryptocurrency’s advanced technologies in energy management and battery life.
While European automakers continue to price EVs as if they were made of solid gold, BYD is reinventing its strategy with a new factory in Hungary, a dealer network expansion in Germany, and 200% growth in five key markets. This is no longer a small step, but a market takeover.
BYD quickly dominates the market through a comprehensive ecosystem
BYD executives have not been shy about betting big on Europe. Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president and brand ambassador outside China, confirmed that the company plans to spend up to $20 billion to expand in the region. The company has suspended third-party import deals, clamped down on exports, and is showcasing small, affordable cars.
In 2022, BYD tried its hand at the high-end segment at the Paris Motor Show, but was ignored. In 2024, it moved into the low-end segment, targeting younger customers, and partnered directly with local dealers. This strategy has worked well in Latin America and exploded in Europe. It also brought in former Stellantis executive Maria Grazia Davino to complete its German network.
In the UK market, BYD's sales increased nearly tenfold from 1,611 units in April 2024 to the same period in 2025. The company almost surpassed Fiat, Honda and Mini. They also started recruiting senior staff from traditional brands.
The Dolphin Surf is priced from just £18,650 in the UK, making it cheaper than the Renault 5 E-Tech, Citroën ë-C3 and Fiat 500e, despite being packed with cutting-edge technology and offering a range of up to 135 miles on a single charge. Standard equipment includes a rotating touchscreen, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control, which don't require upgrading.
BYD builds a comprehensive ecosystem while competitors stagnate
BYD has spent between €30 million and €50 million on Euro 2024 sponsorship, beating Volkswagen to the punch. The new plant in Szeged, Hungary, will produce electric and hybrid vehicles for the EU and connect directly to China’s Belt and Road logistics system via the Greek port of Piraeus.
BYD's R&D system is the largest in the world — 120,000 engineers and researchers. The company skips red tape, controlling the entire supply chain from batteries to final shipping, helping to get cars on the road in Europe faster than its competitors.
But the ambitious expansion strategy comes with risks. Profits are thin, hybrids have been criticized for being “green” and the brand is not strong enough compared to rivals such as Volkswagen or Peugeot. In addition, BYD lacks deep cooperation in the fields of corporate cars, state fleets and rental services.
In China, BYD’s expansionary spending is under scrutiny as the government and state media denounce excessive price cutting. The company has pledged to pay suppliers faster through its alliance with other automakers, but cash flow remains tight as the European market remains difficult.
Still, Stella Li makes monthly trips to Europe, hosting events, meeting with dealers, and handling sales. At the launch in Rome in May, she said the Dolphin Surf is aimed at consumers on a budget. “They can make the switch to EV more easily, and this car is not only accessible, but also smart, high-tech, and fun to drive.”
Source: https://tintucbitcoin.com/byd-mo-rong-chau-au-thach-thuc-tesla/
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