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BYD Eyes Stellantis Factories and Maserati in Europe Takeover Push
After Leapmotor, Chinese EV giant BYD is hunting for European factories and has set its sights on Stellantis assets and the prestigious Maserati brand
Per: caradisiac
BYD's Ambitious European Expansion
Chinese automaker BYD is accelerating its European strategy. As Stellantis struggles to operate its factories at full capacity, BYD—led by Vice President Stella Li—is ready to capitalize on the opportunity.
Active Search for Available Capacity
At a Financial Times forum in London on May 13, 2026, BYD's vice president made the group's intentions crystal clear: "We are searching for any available factory in Europe, as we want to utilize these types of excess production capacities."
Italy tops the priority list, particularly Stellantis' Cassino plant, which manufactures Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio models. With 2,100 employees, this facility represents a significant asset for BYD. Reports suggest that BYD executives have already visited the site.
Beyond Factories: Maserati in the Crosshairs
However, BYD's interest extends beyond manufacturing infrastructure alone. Stella Li told Bloomberg that Maserati represents "a very interesting brand." The Italian luxury nameplate could bolster BYD's upmarket positioning, complementing its premium Denza and Yangwang marques.
France is also in BYD's sights: the country's low electricity costs particularly appeal to the Shenzhen-based group. BYD is also evaluating opportunities in Germany and with Volkswagen.
Partnership Approach: A Sticking Point
Yet visions diverge on how to proceed. While Stella Li prefers outright acquisition ("it's simpler"), Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa favors joint ventures and partnerships—similar to the Leapmotor agreement at the Madrid facility.
This fundamental disagreement could complicate negotiations. Filosa will present his strategic plan in Detroit on May 21. Investors will eagerly await announcements regarding underperforming factories and struggling brands.
Implications for Auto Markets
This situation underscores mounting pressure from Chinese automakers on Europe's automotive sector. Dongfeng has already visited Stellantis' Breton factory in Rennes-La Janais, while Leapmotor has sealed an agreement with Madrid.
The coming weeks will prove decisive for Stellantis as it navigates rising Asian interest in its European assets.
Source: caradisiac
