BYD is adopting a similar distribution model to its already established European markets, such as the UK and Spain, as it prepares to launch five passenger EV models in France.
It has named four major dealer groups to sell and service the cars and is aiming initial for 15 to 20 sales and aftersales outlets and for 100 dealers in 2025.
"At the heart of this launch plan is the strategic ambition to work with dealer groups that will provide the experience, expertise, and prime locations to sell the pioneering range of new energy vehicles," BYD said in a statement.
It had shown its passenger car range in October 2022 at the Paris motor show.
Outlets have been opened through local dealer groups in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Portugal.
Launches in Italy and Hungary will follow "soon" and in "further European countries" in 2024.
"French consumers are highly receptive to new energy vehicles," BYD added.
Confirmed dealer groups are:
- BYmyCAR: two dealerships already open in Paris with after-sales service;
- Kroely: two dealer opening in the third quarter of 2023 in Strasbourg and Metz, then Nancy and Mulhouse;
- Bodemer: one dealership opening in the 3rd quarter of 2023 in Rennes and others later.
All, BYD said, "are industry leaders with extensive experience and resources that support the expansion of electric vehicles."
