BYD, a global leader in electric mobility, has announced a partnership with Austrian steel and technology firm voestalpine to supply steel products for its upcoming vehicle manufacturing site in Szeged, Hungary. The agreement was confirmed in Vienna by BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li and voestalpine CEO Herbert Eibensteiner.
Under the deal, voestalpine will provide sheet steel for body and exterior components, becoming one of the first confirmed suppliers for the new factory. BYD selected voestalpine for its close proximity to the plant and the established reputation of Austrian steel in the automotive sector.
This partnership marks another milestone in BYD’s strategy to localize its European operations. The brand plans to have a presence in 29 European countries by the end of 2025, supported by a retail network of more than 1,000 dealerships. BYD is also establishing a European headquarters and its first regional R&D center in Budapest, further reinforcing its commitment to long-term production in the region.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President, BYD “We’re not just bringing our cars to Europe—we’re building a long-term presence here. The plant in Hungary is central to that goal. Partnering with voestalpine shows our commitment to working with strong regional suppliers who align with our goals for quality, innovation, and sustainability.”
Herbert Eibensteiner, CEO, voestalpine “Our steel products are a trusted component across the global automotive industry. Beginning this autumn, we’ll supply BYD with high-grade flat steel from our Linz facility. We see this initial agreement as the beginning of a lasting partnership.”
Austria has become a key market for BYD’s expansion in Europe. The brand currently holds the top position among private buyers of battery-electric vehicles in the country, capturing a 15% share in that segment and reaching a total market share of 2.5%.
Building on this success, BYD has chosen Austria as the first EU market to pilot its Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology, which allows energy stored in a car’s battery to power a household. The decision is based on Austria’s high use of solar energy—over 50% of homes are powered by solar—and strong customer interest. Many local dealerships have reported that half their customers are already inquiring about the technology.
Details regarding the launch and rollout of the V2H system will be shared in the coming months. The pilot will be delivered in partnership with a local Austrian firm.
Founded in 1994 as a battery manufacturer, BYD has grown into a multinational technology company active in sectors such as automotive, rail, renewable energy, and consumer electronics. It operates more than 30 industrial parks worldwide, including locations in China, the U.S., Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India.
In the automotive field, BYD is known for its innovation in electric and hybrid vehicles. The company was the first globally to cease production of traditional internal combustion vehicles as part of its shift toward clean energy. It continues to lead new energy vehicle (NEV) sales in China and has extended its presence across six continents and over 100 countries.
BYD Auto, the automotive arm established in 2003, has developed several key technologies including the Blade Battery, DM hybrid systems, and the e-Platform 3.0. The company’s goal is to advance the global transition to sustainable transport through reliable and efficient EV solutions. Its European operations are based in the Netherlands, with a growing footprint across the continent.
