BYD global offensive, target of 2.5 million cars exported by 2027 and expansion on the Romanian market
Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle giant BYD is reaffirming its status as a major player in the international auto market with an extremely ambitious strategic plan. The market analysis unit estimates that its export volume will exceed 2.5 million vehicles in 2027.
BYD is forecasting exports of 1.9-2 million vehicles in 2026, almost double the previous year's figures. The accelerated growth is based on three main pillars:
- Continued market share gain outside of China;
- Expansion of its own fleet of ships dedicated to car transport (car carriers);
- Accelerated development of local production capacities in key regions.
The company's management stressed that current results could have been even higher, but expansion into overseas markets has been hampered by logistical challenges and limited global shipping capacity. The acquisition and operation of its own ocean-going vessels is part of BYD's solution to remove these bottlenecks.
Local production and tariff reduction: The Hungarian factory and international expansion
A vital component of BYD's strategy to strengthen its international presence is the decentralization of production. The factory in Hungary (Szeged) is expected to begin the first phase of assembly in November or December, becoming a strategic outpost for covering the European market. In parallel, BYD management is analyzing the opportunity to open other production units in large foreign markets.
Building factories locally aims to overcome protectionist tariff barriers:
- European Union: avoiding additional tariffs of approximately 27% imposed on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) imported from China;
- Brazil: avoiding the 34% import tax applied to electric and hybrid vehicles.
The shift to regional production provides substantial financial benefits. It is estimated that savings of more than 40,000 yuan (about $5,961) are achieved for each locally produced vehicle. BYD management believes that these massive operational savings will more than offset the high investment costs associated with building and expanding the new plants.
Ultra-fast charging network and market share in China
In addition to expanding its fleet and production capabilities, BYD is investing heavily in direct infrastructure to support the adoption of electric vehicles. The company plans to build a global network of 90,000 ultra-fast charging stations by 2028.
The deployment stages of the charging network include:
- By the end of 2026: installation of the first 20,000 stations;
- In 2027: adding another 30,000 stations;
- In 2028: completion of the project by installing the last 40,000 stations.
In its home market, China, BYD maintains impressive momentum. The company is targeting a 25% market share in the entire Chinese automotive sector. The progress is visible: BYD's market share in China increased from 8% at the beginning of the year to
18% in July, consolidating its position as the absolute leader in the domestic automotive market.
BYD's performance and strategy on the Romanian market
The Romanian market plays an important role in the group's expansion strategy in Eastern Europe. BYD has officially entered the Romanian market, offering local customers access to a diversified portfolio that includes both 100% electric models (BEV) and plug-in hybrid versions (PHEV) with DM-i technology.
Models available in Romania
BYD's offer for Romanian buyers covers various segments:
- BYD Atto 2 & Dolphin Surf: Compact and affordable crossovers/hatchbacks, intended for urban and suburban traffic, positioned as competitors for models in the B/C-SUV segment.
- BYD Seal: Electric sedan with sporty lines and high performance, developed to compete directly with models like the Tesla Model 3.
- BYD Sealion 7: Mid-size/large electric SUV, equipped with the latest generation of Blade batteries, a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and VW ID.5.
- BYD Seal U DM-i: Plug-in hybrid SUV equipped with Dual Mode (DM-i) technology, which combines a gasoline engine with electric motors to provide a cumulative range of over 1,000 km.
Distribution network and local partnerships
Unlike other Chinese manufacturers that use third-party intermediaries, BYD operates through a direct importer structure, collaborating with large car dealer groups in Romania, such as ?iriac Auto and DAB Auto, along with regional partners such as Expocar ??or Hinode.
BYD's objective for the network in Romania is to expand to over 30 points of sale and service nationwide, covering cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Brasov, Constanta, Craiova, Pitesti and Târgu Mure?.
Market positioning
Despite the adjustments in the Rabla Plus program and the initial reluctance towards new brands, BYD managed to quickly climb the rankings of NEW electrified vehicle registrations (EV + PHEV) in Romania. The competitive price-to-performance ratio, the rich standard safety/assistance package and the reduced delivery times compared to European competitors have transformed BYD into a viable alternative on the local market.