New Assessment on BYD's Manisa Investment and European Strategy
Chinese automotive giant BYD made statements at the Paris Motor Show regarding the investment process in Turkey and its new-era European plans.
Stella Li, Vice President of Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD, stated at the Paris Motor Show that forward-looking studies are ongoing to invest in new countries regarding the production facility planned to be built in Manisa.
Statements at the Paris Motor Show
While uncertainties persist regarding Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD's investment plan in Turkey, a new message came from the company management. During discussions held at the Paris Motor Show, the fate of the production facility planned to be established in Manisa was questioned.
History and Scope of Turkey Investment
BYD had announced that it would make an investment of approximately 1 billion dollars in Turkey with the investment agreement signed with the Ministry of Industry and Technology in July 2024. The facility planned to be established in Manisa was projected to have an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles.
Within the scope of the project, it was also planned to establish an R&D center for sustainable mobility technologies and provide direct employment for up to 5,000 people. Production was targeted to begin at the end of 2026.
The Suspension Process of the Investment
The expected progress could not be achieved in the Manisa investment plan, and BYD Vice President Stella Li announced in June 2026 that the factory plan in Turkey was suspended. It was stated that the company's priority in Europe is Hungary.
The Ministry of Industry and Technology also announced that the process for BYD to benefit from incentives was suspended at the beginning of 2026. The ministry reported that the investment agreement and the guarantees provided by the company remain valid.
New Quests in Europe
Following the suspension of the Turkey investment, BYD's production strategy in Europe entered a new phase. While the company's investment in Hungary holds a priority position, different options have begun to be evaluated for a second facility.
Stella Li stated that France is among the countries being evaluated by BYD for new investment. It was also disclosed that taking over an existing production facility is among the options.