BYD Launches in Switzerland with Premium Electric Vehicle Lineup
Chinese automotive giant BYD has officially launched its operations in Switzerland, marking another significant step in its European expansion strategy. The company announced its entry into the Swiss market on April 5, with plans to initially offer five models to Swiss consumers.
The launch event held in Zürich featured BYD’s European Executive Vice President Stella Li and Michael Shu, the Managing Director of BYD Europe, alongside other company executives. This strategic move into Switzerland follows BYD’s earlier expansion into neighboring European countries including Germany, France, and Italy.
Initial Product Lineup for Switzerland
BYD will begin its Swiss operations by introducing five vehicle models:
The company has partnered with Emil Frey Group, Switzerland’s largest car dealer, to establish its distribution network. Initially, BYD vehicles will be available at 14 dealership locations across the country, with plans to expand to approximately 20 locations by the end of 2024.
Strategic Importance of the Swiss Market
Switzerland represents a compelling market for BYD despite its relatively small size. The country has one of Europe’s highest GDP per capita rates and has shown strong adoption of electric vehicles. In 2023, battery electric vehicles accounted for 20.9% of new car registrations in Switzerland, with plug-in hybrids adding another 8.5% — making nearly 30% of new vehicles sold featuring plug-in capability.
This market entry aligns with BYD’s broader European strategy, where the company has been methodically expanding its presence since entering Norway in 2021. BYD now operates in more than 19 European countries, establishing itself as a serious competitor in the region’s growing electric vehicle market.
BYD’s European Growth Momentum
In the first quarter of 2024, BYD sold 300,114 new energy vehicles globally, representing a 13.4% year-on-year increase. While the company hasn’t disclosed specific European sales figures, industry data shows BYD sold approximately 16,000 vehicles in Europe in 2023.
