BYD Expands Globally: Mexico, Germany, and Breakthrough Range Tech

BYD is pursuing growth beyond its domestic market as January figures from China undershoot, pushing a broader international push that includes a potential takeover in Mexico, a robust German expansion, and a new long-range technology.

According to Reuters on February 12, BYD, alongside Geely, remains one of the final bidders for the Nissan-Mercedes facility in Aguascalientes. The plant, with an annual capacity of 230,000 units, is slated to close after Mercedes shifted production to Hungary and Nissan cut underperforming Infiniti models.

BYD had originally planned a new Mexican factory but reportedly balked at bureaucratic obstacles. Acquiring an existing facility would provide ready-made staff and logistics. For Chinese manufacturers, Mexico serves as the gateway to Latin American markets. At the same time, heightened Chinese involvement could complicate ongoing trade talks between Mexico and the United States.

Germany push targets more than 50,000 units with 350+ sites

Simultaneously, BYD is accelerating its European expansion. Digitimes reports that the company aims to grow its German dealership network to over 350 locations by year-end and to sell more than 50,000 vehicles. That would mark a substantial jump from 2025, when BYD registered roughly 23,000 units in Germany, compared with around 26,000 for SAIC MG.

The approach hinges on aggressive discounting. The plug-in hybrid Atto 2, when paired with government subsidies, has become about 41 percent cheaper. Through this price competition, BYD seeks to displace MG as the leading Chinese car brand in Europe.

Denza Z9 introduces a long-range benchmark

Meanwhile, documents from China?s Ministry of Industry reveal that BYD?s premium sub-brand Denza is launching the Z9 with battery capacities of 102 and 122 kWh. The larger configuration is claimed to deliver up to 1,068 kilometers of range under the CLTC cycle. The three-motor version aggregates a total output of 850 kW.

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January results reflect domestic headwinds

The growth plans come as domestic demand remains weak. In January, BYD sold 210,051 electric and plug-in vehicles in China, down 30.11% year over year. The downturn is broad-based for the sector: a 5% purchase tax on EVs took effect at the start of the year, and government scrappage subsidies ended.

On the upside, exports held up strongly. BYD delivered 100,482 vehicles abroad in January, up 51.47% year over year. Battery production also advanced, with installed capacity rising to about 20.187 GWh, up 30.15%.

Wichtige Kennzahlen im erblick:

• Mexico plant: capacity 230,000 vehicles per year
• Germany target: over 50,000 sales in 2026, 350+ dealers
• January China sales: 210,051 units (-30.11% YoY)
• January exports: 100,482 units (+51.47% YoY)
• Denza Z9: up to 1,068 km range with a 122-kWh battery

BYD is offsetting weakness at home through steady international expansion. Whether in Mexico, Germany, or through new technology, the company is positioning itself as a global challenger to established automakers.

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