BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, has selected Austrian steel and technology group Voestalpine as a key supplier for its upcoming car production facility in Szeged, Hungary. Voestalpine is the first confirmed partner for BYD’s inaugural European manufacturing plant. This new deal supports the automaker’s growing localization strategy in the region.
The agreement involves the supply of high-quality sheet steel, sourced from Voestalpine’s Linz facility, which will be used in the production of car bodies and outer panels. BYD cited the supplier’s proximity, strong reputation, and advanced steel production capabilities as central to the decision.
This partnership is part of BYD’s broader European expansion plan, which includes establishing a new regional headquarters and a dedicated R&D center in Budapest. By the end of 2025, BYD expects to be active in 29 European countries, operating through more than 1,000 retail stores.
Stella Li, Executive Vice-President at BYD, highlighted the company’s long-term vision: “We have come to Europe to stay and to produce here. Our factory in Hungary is at the heart of this process, so every local supplier we announce is another significant step. I’m delighted that we will be working with Voestalpine, a company that shares our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
Voestalpine CEO Herbert Eibensteiner echoed the sentiment, noting the company’s extensive track record in supplying the global automotive industry. “We offer reliable and sustainable solutions across all major assemblies of a vehicle. We are confident this order will lay the foundation for a lasting partnership with BYD.”
As BYD expands its operations in Europe, the brand continues to meet with potential suppliers across key markets. The partnership with Voestalpine underscores the automaker’s commitment to producing cars in Europe for European customers.
Meanwhile, BYD has recorded notable success in Austria, emerging as the top choice among private battery electric vehicle buyers and capturing a 15% share in that segment. Its overall market share in Austria has reached 2.5%. Further bolstering its regional presence, BYD has announced Austria as the EU pilot market for its Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology rollout.
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