BYD Co. will open about 20 points of sale with partners in Canada this year, given that The country’s government is considering investments from the Chinese automotive industry to reduce dependence of the United States.
“Canada’s initiative is very important,” declared Alfredo Altavilla, former manager of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and current advisor to BYD in Europe, in an interview in Paris. “We acted immediately to establish a sales network there.”
Canada has been seeking to attract Chinese investment to strengthen its auto industry under a broader trade deal with Beijing. In January, the government agreed to allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles a year, after having previously excluded them with high tariffs.
Last month, BYD announced that it is actively considering building a factory in Canada, while keeping its options open to acquire a more established global automaker.
The company has also expanded in Europe,where it is part of a group of Chinese brands that increase their sales with electric and plug-in hybrid models at affordable prices.
