BYD Co. has formally applied to become a member of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), a spokesperson for the lobby group confirmed. Should the application be approved, BYD would be the first automaker from China to gain membership in the Brussels-based organization.
ACEA currently lists 17 members, composed mainly of European vehicle makers along with several manufacturers headquartered outside the region, including Ford Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. The lobby group represents the automotive industry in its engagements with European Union institutions. ACEA officials have not yet reached a decision on BYD's application.
The membership request comes as BYD, the world’s biggest seller of electric vehicles, confronts EU import tariffs on its cars. BYD produces models such as the Dolphin hatchback and competes in the European market with manufacturers including Volkswagen AG and Stellantis NV.
Separately, BYD is constructing its first production facility in Europe, located in Hungary. Company plans call for mass production at the Hungarian plant to begin this quarter. The automaker and other observers expect local production to enable BYD to avoid the additional EU tariffs applied to imported vehicles.
Other Chinese manufacturers have already established local assembly operations in the region; for example, Chery Automobile Co. is assembling vehicles in Barcelona.
At this stage, ACEA’s membership committee has yet to issue a ruling on BYD’s bid. The company’s application, its ongoing investment in European manufacturing capacity, and the existing EU tariff environment together form the factual backdrop for the group’s review process.