Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD to enter Belgian market

From October, Belgian consumers will be able to buy electric cars from Chinese brand BYD (Build Your Dreams). The Chinese carmaker, which claims to be the world's largest manufacturer of electric vehicles (also buses, trucks, forklifts ...) and batteries, will launch three models on the Belgian market, it announced on Tuesday. The first showroom will be in Zaventem.

The Chinese car brand says it has "extremely ambitious plans" in Europe. After a one-year trial period in Norway, "during which more than 2,500 units of the Tang model were sold over the counter", it plans to launch its cars in northern Europe, the Benelux countries and Germany. BYD is starting with these regions "because of their adoption rate in electric driving", the spokeswoman said.

Three models will be launched in Belgium and Luxembourg: the sedan Han and the SUVs Atto 3 and Tang. A first showroom will open its doors in Zaventem on 1 October. BYD speaks of an "experience centre", where customers will be able to learn about Chinese cars and technology.

There are plans for showrooms in Ghent, Antwerp and the city of Luxembourg. "The further expansion is now being studied in detail to ensure the best possible customer experience," BYD BeLux said.

It is not yet clear how much the cars, which will be built in China, will cost. The Belgian website does not yet list prices. "These will be announced from the European launch at the Paris Motor Show in Paris in October," it says. In Norway, the Tang model (with seven seats) is priced at least 619,900 kroner, equivalent to around 60,000 euros.

(TOM)

© BELGA / AFP