China’s top carmaker, BYD, is setting its sights far beyond its home turf. The automaker aims to sell half of its vehicles outside China by the end of the decade, according to individuals familiar with internal plans. This would significantly boost its presence on the global stage and put it in direct competition with leading manufacturers like Toyota and Volkswagen.
European Push at the Core of Strategy
Although BYD has experienced tremendous growth domestically—selling 4.27 million vehicles in 2023, nearly 90% of which were in China—it is now pivoting toward Europe and Latin America to fuel its next phase. Executives have reportedly outlined this overseas strategy in investor meetings, pointing to the success of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids as a replicable formula for international markets.
“BYD now believes they have the right products to repeat their Chinese success in overseas markets,” said one source familiar with the discussions.
The company has not confirmed the total global sales figure for 2030, but if the 50/50 target is realized, it could mean an annual output approaching 10 million vehicles—similar to Toyota’s 2024 production.
From Local Player to Global Powerhouse
Once considered a niche manufacturer, BYD has catapulted into the ranks of global carmakers. Last year, it surpassed Volkswagen as China’s leading automaker and now trails just behind Ford and General Motors in total sales. The shift in market dynamics is alarming for legacy brands, particularly as BYD ramps up its global footprint.
Ford CEO Jim Farley recently acknowledged the threat, stating, “We have to compete and win against BYD.”
Barriers in the U.S., Opportunities Elsewhere
Despite the momentum, BYD and its Chinese peers face stiff resistance in the U.S., where trade restrictions and tariffs essentially block their entry. Europe also presents regulatory hurdles, including tariffs on Chinese EVs. However, negotiations are ongoing and may ease these restrictions.
Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights, highlighted the challenge of achieving the 50% overseas sales goal without tapping into the U.S. market. “It will be pretty challenging to reach that goal without access to the U.S. market,” he said, estimating BYD’s 2025 sales at 5 million units, 80% of which will still be in China.
Infrastructure and Global Operations Expansion
To support its ambitions, BYD is investing in manufacturing across multiple continents. It plans to open new plants in Hungary and Turkey and is evaluating locations for a third European facility. Existing operations include an assembly plant in Thailand and ongoing construction in Brazil, though reports have surfaced about labor concerns there.
BYD’s presence in Europe is growing rapidly. In Q1 2025, sales hit 37,201 vehicles—quadrupling the previous year and capturing 4.1% of the European EV market, according to Rho Motion.
A Modern Henry Ford?
Some industry experts see BYD’s rise as transformative. Bill Russo, CEO of Automobility, likened BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu to “the Henry Ford of the 21st century,” crediting the company’s rapid EV development.
While Tesla maintains its EV-only strategy, BYD’s blend of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models offers versatility. It’s expected to surpass Tesla in EV sales this year.
Despite some early missteps overseas, BYD appears committed to refining its global strategy. If it overcomes regulatory and logistical hurdles, it may well achieve its goal of becoming a dominant international player by 2030.