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
