Chinese automaker BYD has expanded its reach in Europe by entering the North Macedonian market, marking its 38th market in the region. The company officially launched its operations with a store opening in Skopje on September 30, utilizing Evolution-Auto as its local importer.
BYD’s move into North Macedonia is part of a broader strategy, as this is the fourth European market it has entered this year, following launches in Slovenia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria earlier in March. The company’s entry aligns with its goals of increasing market presence in the Balkans.
Seven Models at Launch
At launch, BYD is offering seven models in North Macedonia, which include fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The lineup features the Dolphin Surf city model as its entry-level option, as well as the Sealion 7 SUV and the Seal sedan. The range also includes plug-in hybrids such as the Seal U DM-i, Atto 2 DM-i, Seal 6 DM-i, and Atto 3 Evo.
Stella Li, BYD’s Executive Vice President, stated that the company’s mission is to make sustainable technology accessible to as many people as possible. “Every new market in Europe matters,” the company emphasized in its announcement.
No pricing details have been released for the North Macedonian market yet. The country’s automotive market is relatively small, with only 497 new vehicle registrations reported in August, according to data from Best Selling Cars Blog. Remarkably, the BYD Atto 2 was listed as the best-selling model in North Macedonia for that month prior to the official launch.
Nine Markets in Under a Year
BYD’s entry into North Macedonia increases its European market presence from 29 last November to 38 now, indicating the company has added nine markets in less than a year. Details for three of the new additions in 2023 have been confirmed, with Slovenia’s entry on March 5, followed by Montenegro on March 11, and Bulgaria on March 26.
Looking ahead, BYD plans to enter Andorra next, with dealership openings anticipated within the next two months. The company also aims to double its European network to 2,000 outlets by 2026.
European Sales Growth
BYD’s European expansion is accompanied by significant sales growth. The company reported 234,099 vehicle registrations across the European Union and the European Free Trade Association from January to August, an increase of 144.1% compared to the previous year. Its market share has risen to 2.5%, surpassing Tesla and SAIC Motor in terms of unit sales.
Within the EU alone, BYD registered 177,752 vehicles, marking a 163% increase year-over-year. Despite this success, North Macedonia’s sales will not be included in these figures, as the country is outside the ACEA region.
Shifts Toward Hybrids
BYD’s offerings in North Macedonia reflect a growing trend in its European lineup toward plug-in hybrids. The Atto 2 DM-i has seen success, becoming BYD’s best-seller in Spain shortly after its introduction in February. The company also recently unveiled the Dolphin G DM-i, aimed at European consumers, with a pricing starting at €28,990 ($32,500) in Germany.
In light of tariffs affecting its electric vehicle imports to Europe, BYD has plans to establish local production. However, its factory in Szeged, Hungary, has experienced delays, with vehicle assembly expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year, a year later than initially scheduled. A second plant planned for Turkey in 2024 is currently on hold.
The company’s focus on expanding both its production capabilities in Europe and its market presence is ongoing, as it navigates the evolving automotive landscape.
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