Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD plans to increase its European workforce to more than 40,000 employees by 2030 as it expands vehicle production and strengthens its presence in the region, according to Bloomberg.
Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice-president who oversees its international business, shared the target in interviews during the Paris Motor Show on October 12, 2026. She said the company expects its European workforce to exceed 10,000 employees in the near term.
BYD plans to hire workers from the automotive industry and other sectors, including people affected by job cuts at European car manufacturers. The hiring plan reflects the company’s ambition to become a major local car producer rather than relying mainly on vehicle exports from China.
BYD Plans More Factories in Europe
BYD is preparing to start mass production at its first European factory in Szeged, Hungary, with production targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, according to Li.
The company is also considering France and Spain for additional manufacturing facilities. Li told Euronews that France was on the shortlist and said BYD wanted French consumers to see the company as a local business.
BYD’s longer-term European manufacturing plans include three vehicle assembly plants and a dedicated battery facility. Producing vehicles locally could help the company reduce the impact of European Union tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China.
EU Trade Rules Create Uncertainty
BYD’s expansion comes as Chinese carmakers face greater scrutiny from European authorities. Recent negotiations between China and the European Union resulted in a broad agreement that includes restrictions on imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles.
Li said BYD was still assessing the potential impact of the new restrictions because detailed information was not yet available.
Despite the uncertainty, BYD continues to expand its European business. The company has set a target of shipping more than 2.5 million vehicles to overseas markets in 2027.
BYD Faces Questions Over Factory Conditions
The factory project in Hungary for the company has also drawn attention because of the working conditions. Two workers died at the construction site. A report, from China Labor Watch said there were forced labor practices. The report said workers did not get days off. The report also said workers did not get paid.
Li denied the allegations earlier in 2026 and said the company welcomed labour inspections.
BYD’s European sales have also been growing. According to Euronews, the company registered 13,935 passenger vehicles in France during the first half of 2026, up 136% from the same period in 2025.
The planned hiring drive and more factories would be a step for BYD as it tries to grow its manufacturing presence make jobs in local areas and fight harder against big European car makers.
