BYD commits to providing premium, eco-friendly vehicles for Europe

BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li has reaffirmed the company's commitment to delivering affordable technology and high-quality vehicles that support the green transition in European markets.

The pledge comes as the Chinese automaker launched its fully electric model Sealion 7 this week in the United Kingdom, marking another milestone in its European expansion. Despite rising trade tensions and evolving regulatory landscapes, BYD continues to expand its global footprint, cementing its position as one of the world's top electric vehicle (EV) sellers.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Li voiced strong opposition to mounting tariffs driven by protectionism, warning that such practices would ultimately harm local consumers and auto parts manufacturers.

"I think any protection and adding tariff is short term and [for] the long term, [it] will not benefit consumers, will not benefit the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) too. I think we are [here] to focus on bringing affordable technology to everybody and bringing the best service to everybody," said the vice president.

Li also highlighted BYD's ongoing efforts to boost local production in overseas markets, including the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Hungary.

"But at the same time, BYD [has] started opening our manufacturing side in Hungary. By the end of this year, our local production will start," she said.

BYD has already established a strong foothold in markets like South America, the Middle East, and Africa. To succeed in Europe, Li emphasized the company's focus on delivering premium products that align with the region's environmental awareness.

"We just bring more premium products to Europe. Actually in Europe, everybody really [has] a very good sense to protect the environment, so they need a better car and more reliable electric car to help them to achieve their dream to protect the environment," she said.

Li also expressed concerns over the European Union's announcement earlier this month to relax emission rules for combustion engine vehicles, arguing that it could slow the pace of electrification and harm local suppliers due to the uncertainty caused by constant policy shifts.

"Every single government, they should have a sustainable future [in mind], because if you swing back and forth, then you will damage the local OEM, you will damage the OEM for their future investment. In the long-term scope, it will harm this kind of companies for their competitiveness. That will be the challenge," she noted.

Looking ahead, Li outlined BYD's ambitious vision for the next decade.

"We want to build the most admired brand globally, to make BYD [recognized] internationally, a well-known brand in every single region. It's our task. Next ten years, if you're walking on the street, you ask 'who is BYD?'. I hope everybody will say, 'wow, they are the best technology company,'" she said.

BYD commits to providing premium, eco-friendly vehicles for Europe

A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.

The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.

Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.

Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.

Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.

Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.

"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.

Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.

The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.

Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.

"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.

The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.

"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.

US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building