After the sales boom in recent years across the Old Continent, BYD continues to expand in Italy, also aiming for a key production plant
The car market continues to deliver unexpected twists. In an increasingly fragile international landscape characterized by enormous uncertainty, especially for European manufacturers, China inevitably continues to move the pieces on the board.
The absolute leader and protagonist of the moment, as well as the flagship of Chinese business, is certainly BYD (Build Your Dreams), a group now expanding on a global scale.
BYD in Italy: Is Cassino the next goal? And keep an eye on Maserati…
The strictly complicated moment for the European automotive industry is, unfortunately, not destined to end quickly. On the contrary, the geopolitical context and the massive slowdown in industrial production in Italy and across Europe force serious reflection.
According to the reliable American agency Bloomberg, it is no coincidence that Stellantis—the European group most brought to its knees in recent years—is reportedly in negotiations with the Shenzhen-based brand for the sale of some “underutilized” factories on Italian soil.
As confirmed by Vice President Stella Li, this most likely concerns the Cassino plant, where production figures in recent years have been nearly dramatic: volumes are down 75% compared to 2017, with an annual production forecast of fewer than 20,000 vehicles!
Pressure from the Government and trade unions on the Stellantis group regarding the Lazio plant is becoming more insistent by the day, meaning a sale to BYD could become a reality in the near future.
The Chinese brand’s expansion policy in Europe is certainly not limited to the Cassino factory. The group, again through the words of its Vice President, stated it is ready to “closely monitor the Maserati situation.”
In short, another brand has been targeted. Above all, it is a clear and further striking signal to Italy and the entire Continent.
Cover: bydglobal.com
