BYD is planning to expand electric bus production to about 200 units per annum in the United Kingdom, reports Bloomberg. The company is also negotiating to set up a factory in mainland Europe to meet the growing demands and lower costs for export and logistics. BYD may join up with local partners to operate the plant in Europe.
Significance: Electric buses are a crucial part of BYD's strategy to gain a strong foothold in the public transport industry at a global level. The company has secured many contracts for electric buses in various markets including the US, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand and Uruguay. In July this year, BYD and a UK-based bus and coach producer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) jointly won a contract to supply electric buses for the London's public transportation fleet. BYD will supply the chassis, batteries, and electric motors for the buses, while ADL will provide the vehicle bodies and design services.
