On January 11th the cargo ship Explorer No. 1owned by the automotive giant BYD, designed to transport up to 7,000 cars and which has recently entered Europe, unloading its electric and hybrid cars at the CLdN terminal in Vlissingen-Oost. This ship arrived at port of Vlissingen in the Netherlands on February 21st with a load of over 7,000 vehicles electrified.
BYD electric car cargo ship
Departing Shenzhen three weeks ago, BYD's Explorer No. 1 sailed through Singapore, India And South Africa before arriving in Vlissingen-Oost, a few hours later than expected. Subsequently, the same ship left for Bremerhaven in northern Germany, where further cars of the brand will be distributed. The unloading process created an impressive sight of a vast “parking lot” of brand new cars, ready to be distributed to dealers across Europe.
BYD attacks the European market
This fact worries and alarms European manufacturers and marks an important step forward in BYD's penetration strategy in the European automotive market, which aims to become the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in Europe by 2030.
The brand Chinese BYD is aiming to conquer the European market across a wide range of electric models and a targeted expansion strategy, primarily focused on competitive pricing.
The volumes of cars produced in China and transported by cargo ship will also be accompanied by those deriving from production in China factory Szegedin southern Hungary.
BYD leader in electric vehicle sales
BYD, which has surpassed Tesla in electric vehicle sales in the last quarter of 2023, it aims to conquer the European market following the success achieved in China. The decision to build a cargo ship, with other similar projects coming in the coming years, is part of this strategy, sending a clear message message to the competition on the ambitions of the Chinese giant.
BYD has a significant advantage thanks to its integrated supply chain. From the production of batteries, which initially represented its core business, down to the essential components such as i chipBYD controls much of the supply chain internally.
This direct control allows the company to maintain the prices of its cars decisively low in the Chinese domestic market, since it does not depend on external suppliers. There Chinawith its leadership in raw material extraction and processing, further supports BYD's dominant position in the automotive supply chain.
Chinese BYD factory in Europe
Within three years, BYD's Szeged plant is expected to come online, just as the Chinese brand Build Your Dreams focuses its volume ambitions on a global level. This new structure will join the already operational one BYD's bus factory in Hungary. In early 2023 BYD's European CEO, Michael Shu, stated that the goal is to become the leading electric vehicle manufacturer in Europe by 2030. BYD announced that the construction of the factory will take place in several stages and is expected to create thousands of local jobs, contributing to the revival of the local economy and mainly using locally produced components.
BYD also intends to leverage its expertise in vertically integrated supply chains to create the most sustainable ecosystem possible. The choice of Hungary as the venue is based on his central location in Europe and on its long history of advanced local manufacturing, similar to other European automotive brands such as Audi and Mercedes which have set up production facilities in the country.
Objective 2030
As mentioned, BYD's goal is to become the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in Europe by 2030. The strategy is already bearing its first fruits, especially thanks to a network of 230 resellers in 19 countries which offer five models on the market.
Three of these models, Act 3, Seal and Dolphinare already available in Italy too, while Han and Tang they can be purchased in other EU countries. Three more BYD models are expected to arrive during 2024, although it is not yet clear which models will be produced in the new factory.
BYD at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show
In BYD's strategy in Europe, the presence at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show is particularly significant. For the first time in Europe, BYD will present the BYD Seal U DM-iintroducing technology BYD Super DM (Dual Mode) on the continent, representing a revolutionary evolution in intelligent PHEV technology.
Furthermore, the new version of the BYD Tang, a completely renewed and restyled SUV, which offers all-wheel drive and can accommodate up to 7 passengers. The new TANG offers an autonomy extended up to 530 kilometers (WLTP combined), powerful performance and achieved the maximum rating of 5 stars in Euro NCAP safety tests.
Additionally, BYD will give a European preview of the technology YangwangBYD's luxury sub-brand, presenting the model Yangwang U8. This vehicle is powered by platform and⁴the first technological platform a four independent engines mass-produced in the world. The intelligent hydraulic body control system DiSus-P improves vehicle agility and compatibility in various driving scenarios.
Additionally, BYD presents the Denza D9a seven-seater minivan, and the Denza N7, a full electric mid-size crossover, both representing the premium brand of BYD and Mercedes-Benz. The Denza D9 offers a driving experience luxurious and intelligent, while the N7 combines elegance and sportiness.
Read also:
→ All BYD brand cars
→ Selected and tested electric cars to buy
→ Electric car prices and features
→ Hybrid car prices and features
→ Video tests of ELECTRIC CARS
Testing new electric cars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
→ EV Driving all about electric and hybrid cars
→ What do you think? Drop by discussions on the FORUM!
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