BYD Eyes Spare EU Plants and Stellantis Secures $1.17B China EV JV
BYD is negotiating to acquire underutilized Stellantis EU plants including those running at just 5-6 days per month, as it seeks spare capacity and eyes Maserati. Stellantis and Dongfeng agreed a $1.17B joint-venture to produce Peugeot and Jeep EVs in China, boosting capacity as European demand lags.
1. BYD Talks to Acquire Idle Plants
BYD vice president Stella Li indicated the company is evaluating underutilized Stellantis facilities, notably Italy’s Cassino plant which produced only 2,916 cars in Q1 2026 and operated five to six days per month, and the Mirafiori plant limited to Fiat 500 hybrids and electrics. BYD aims to leverage this spare capacity to expand its international output ahead of its Hungary factory opening in 2027 and is considering acquiring legacy luxury brands such as Maserati.
2. $1.17B JV with Dongfeng for China EVs
Stellantis and Dongfeng finalized a $1.17 billion joint venture to produce Peugeot and Jeep electric vehicles in China, targeting significant capacity expansion in the world’s largest EV market. The agreement includes funding for manufacturing facilities and research and development, with production expected to ramp up by late 2027 to capture growing local demand.