BYD's Szeged plant to start mass production before the year ends
BYD is talking more and more often about its planned Hungarian and Turkish factories, which could significantly facilitate the achievement of its European sales targets, writes e-car portal Villanyautosok.hu. The company also wants to build a European supply chain for the new plants, and has hired Alfredo Altavilla, former European director of Fiat Chrysler, as a special expert.
Altavilla makes no secret of the fact that they will be negotiating with Italian suppliers in the coming weeks. According to Automotive News Europe, he said that these companies are also in contact with German premiums, so they meet BYD's quality requirements, and in addition, they now have excess capacity due to Stellantis' declining sales.
From 20-21 February, 300 Italian suppliers will meet in Turin to supply the new Hungarian and Turkish plants.
The Szeged plant could start production as early as October this year, while the Turkish plant could be operational in March 2026.
According to the latest plans, four models will be produced in Hungary: the Dolphin and the Atto 3 will start the line-up, but soon afterwards the recently launched Atto 2 and the Seagull/Dolphin Mini, a budget car that will arrive in April, will also be produced in Szeged for the European market.
Cover photo (for illustration purposes only): Portfolio
