BYD wants to sell hybrids in Europe
By Wim Oude Weernink From:Automotive News China April 03, 2008
BYD Auto Co., the Chinese automaker that made its European debut at this year's Geneva auto show, wants to sell its cars in Europe by 2010, starting with hybrid models. BYD also is considering building cars in Europe.
The company's president, Wang Chuanfu, told Automotive News Europe at the Geneva show that he sees great potential for gasoline-electric hybrids in Europe.
"Savings on running costs are higher than in China because of high European fuel prices," he said. Hybrids use gasoline and electric motors to power the wheels.
Wang said he was surprised by reactions to BYD at the show.
"Europe is conservative and not very open in terms of new brands," he said. "But on the other hand, the emphasis in Europe is on the environment. So we will first bring our hybrid models to Europe. Start of sales in 2010 would be ideal."
BYD, which was established five years ago by the BYD Group, has used its expertise in mobile-phone batteries to develop rechargeable gasoline-electric vehicles that it expects to eventually compete with plug-in hybrids from General Motors and Toyota. Unlike its larger rivals, BYD's dual-mode plug-in hybrid uses ferrous battery technology.
BYD is in talks with several European car distributors.
Are
you interested in our news stories?
Click here for free e-mail news alerts.
