BYD Co. (OTC:BYDDF), a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is set to launch its budget-friendly electric vehicle in Europe, posing a significant challenge to local automakers.
What Happened: BYD, which overtook Elon Musk's Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) in the last quarter of 2023 to become the largest global EV manufacturer, is planning to introduce its Seagull hatchback in Europe next year. The vehicle, priced under $10,000, is expected to be sold for less than €20,000 ($21,500), even after tariffs and modifications to meet European standards, reported Bloomberg.
The Seagull's arrival is expected to intensify the competition among European automakers as they transition to the post-combustion-engine era. The vehicle, which has received acclaim for its build quality, design, and technology, is already performing well outside of China, particularly in Mexico.
"We are looking very closely at this model and others coming from Chinese EV makers," said Martin Sander, head of Ford Motor Co.'s European EV business. "Of course, we are nervous when new competition is coming to the market."
"Tariffs should not be used to shield our lead manufacturers from meaningful competition," Julia Poliscanova, senior director for vehicles and e-mobility supply chains at lobby group Transport & Environment said. "What matters on top of climate targets, which are critical, is actually to have local jobs and for decarbonization not to result in de-industrialization."
BYD, along with other Chinese automakers, is increasingly focusing on exports after dominating the domestic market. The company's plans for two plants in Europe are expected to mitigate the impact of any European Union tariffs aimed at slowing its progress.
"We have no intention to let this price band open for our Chinese competitors," Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said last week, dismissing calls for tariffs. "We don't think that protectionism will give us a long-term way out of this competition."
Why It Matters: The Seagull's competitive pricing and potential to disrupt global auto markets have been a cause for concern among U.S. automakers. The vehicle's success in China, combined with BYD's expansion into other regions, has put global automotive leaders and politicians under pressure.
BYD's success is not solely attributed to state subsidies, as the company has argued that its achievements are a result of its unique technology and efficient management.
The company's expansion into the luxury EV market with the unveiling of its premium brand's first sedan at the Beijing auto show also posed a direct challenge to luxury automakers such as Mercedes-Benz.
比亚迪公司(场外交易代码:BYDDF)是中国领先的电动汽车制造商,将在欧洲推出其经济实惠的电动汽车,这对当地汽车制造商构成了重大挑战。
发生了什么:比亚迪在2023年最后一个季度取代埃隆·马斯克的特斯拉公司(纳斯达克股票代码:TSLA)成为全球最大的电动汽车制造商,计划明年在欧洲推出其海鸥掀背车。彭博社报道,即使在征收关税和改装以符合欧洲标准之后,该车的价格仍低于1万美元,预计售价仍将低于20,000欧元(合21,500美元)。
随着欧洲汽车制造商向后燃机时代过渡,预计海鸥的到来将加剧他们之间的竞争。该车因其制造质量、设计和技术而广受好评,在中国以外地区,尤其是在墨西哥,已经表现良好。
福特汽车公司负责人马丁·桑德说:“我们正在仔细研究这种车型以及来自中国电动汽车制造商的其他车型。”s 欧洲电动汽车业务。“当然,当新的竞争进入市场时,我们会感到紧张。”
游说团体运输与环境的汽车和电动汽车供应链高级董事朱莉娅·波利斯卡诺娃说:“不应使用关税来保护我们的主要制造商免受有意义的竞争。”“除了至关重要的气候目标之外,重要的是要在当地找到就业机会,并确保脱碳不导致去工业化。”
比亚迪和其他中国汽车制造商在主导国内市场之后,越来越注重出口。该公司计划在欧洲建造两座工厂,预计将减轻旨在减缓其进展的任何欧盟关税的影响。
Stellantis首席执行官卡洛斯·塔瓦雷斯上周表示:“我们无意让这个价格区间向我们的中国竞争对手开放,” 他驳回了征收关税的呼吁。“我们认为保护主义不会为我们提供摆脱这场竞争的长期出路。”
为何重要:海鸥具有竞争力的定价和扰乱全球汽车市场的潜力一直引起美国汽车制造商的担忧。该车在中国的成功,加上比亚迪向其他地区的扩张,给全球汽车领导者和政治家带来了压力。
比亚迪的成功并不仅仅归因于国家补贴,因为该公司认为其成就归功于其独特的技术和高效的管理。
该公司在北京车展上推出了其高端品牌的首款轿车,进军豪华电动汽车市场,这也对梅赛德斯-奔驰等豪华汽车制造商构成了直接挑战。