Chinese Electric Vehicle Maker BYD Seeks to Buy Ford Focus Factory to Produce Electric Cars

Written by Roberta Souza

Published on 27/01/2023 at 11:13

Foto: Reprodução. Fonte: Quatrorodas

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BYD Aims to Decentralize Electric Car Production in Europe and Needs a Place to Set Up Its Factory

The Chinese automaker BYD has high expectations for the start of its production in Europe and, to achieve this, is counting on the purchase of a Ford factory. In addition to planning to sell electric vehicles, it intends to establish itself as a major local car producer. After unveiling three electric vehicles for the Old Continent (Tan, Han, and Yuan Plus), the Chinese automaker wants to decentralize production in Europe.

However, to put the plan into action, it needs a location to set up its factory. In this case, the Ford Focus factory would be ideal for the production of vehicles that use electric power. It is the Saarlouis factory, located in Germany, where the Focus has been produced for many years, making it historic for Ford.

Possible Purchase of the Ford Focus Factory by BYD

One possibility for BYD to succeed in the production of electric vehicles in Europe is the acquisition of the factory owned by Ford in Saarlouis, in western Germany. The site has already become historic for the American automaker, which has been producing the Ford Focus there for many years.

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Why Would Ford Let Go of Such an Important and Strategic Factory?

A possible reason for accepting the factory sale is the definitive retirement of the Ford Focus, which has been announced with a forecast for 2025, or approximately two years from now. This way, Ford could focus diligently on electric passenger and light commercial vehicles.

BYD is already a global leader in the production of electrified vehicles and aims to establish itself in various regions worldwide, with Europe being crucial to this process. However, the Wall Street Journal reported that, in addition to the Chinese automaker, there are another 15 investors interested in the Ford factory.

Chinese Electric Vehicle Maker BYD Seeks to Buy Ford Focus Factory to Produce Electric Cars

BYD Aims to Decentralize Electric Car Production in Europe and Needs a Place to Set Up Its Factory

Possible Purchase of the Ford Focus Factory by BYD

Why Would Ford Let Go of Such an Important and Strategic Factory?

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Chinese Electric Vehicle Maker BYD Seeks to Buy Ford Focus Factory to Produce Electric Cars

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