Overview
BYD publicly rejected allegations that its electric‑vehicle manufacturing plant in Szeged, Hungary, violated environmental regulations. The denial was made by Executive Vice President Stella Li during an international conference in Belgrade, where she described the claims as false and confirmed that the company has retained legal counsel to address the matter.
Investigation Details
Hungarian authorities have opened an investigation after receiving reports that toxic soil may have been relocated from BYD’s construction site to another location. This probe is part of a broader series of environmental reviews targeting firms in Hungary’s rapidly expanding EV and battery manufacturing sector, where battery producers have also faced heightened scrutiny.
BYD’s Operational Stance
Despite the investigation, BYD affirmed its commitment to the Hungarian project and indicated that production ramp‑up will continue. The company stated that vehicle assembly at the Szeged facility is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Expansion Plans
The Szeged plant represents BYD’s first manufacturing facility within the European Union and aligns with its wider European expansion strategy. BYD is simultaneously evaluating options for a second European production site. According to Li, a shortlist of potential locations has been identified, with possible approaches including the acquisition of an existing factory, forming a partnership with another manufacturer, or constructing a new facility from the ground up.
Regional Engagement
During a visit to Serbia, Li met President Aleksandar Vučić, who indicated that Serbia could play a role in BYD’s future European manufacturing network. No final decision regarding the location or structure of the second plant has been announced.