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BYD Explores Taking Control of European Auto Plants

Chinese automaker BYD is in discussions with Stellantis and other European carmakers about taking over underutilized manufacturing facilities across the continent, according to the company's chief international executive. The move signals BYD's expansion into European markets as it seeks to establish local production capacity. Stellantis, which produces Opel and Fiat vehicles, has already begun collaborating with BYD's Leapmotor brand. The companies are allocating a Spanish plant to jointly develop electric vehicles. The negotiations underscore intensifying competition in Europe's auto sector as Chinese makers establish deeper roots in the region. Taking over existing plants would allow BYD to bypass lengthy construction timelines and regulatory hurdles associated with building new facilities.