BYD Co. has applied to join the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), which currently has 17 members.
If approved, BYD would become the first Chinese automaker in ACEA, aiming to influence EU policy amid looming import tariffs.
BYD is building its first European plant in Hungary, slated to start mass production this quarter to avoid additional EU tariffs.
Chery Automobile already assembles cars in Barcelona, highlighting Chinese manufacturers' push into Europe despite tariff pressures.