Stella Li (Byd): 'We are continuing to grow and now focus on the premium segment also in Europe'

When asked if Byd's goal is to become the world sales leader, Stella Li, Vice President of the Chinese carmaker, makes a profession of modesty. Byd's rise, especially abroad and in the electric segment, does not make the question she is asked in Beijing, at the auto show that is making the shock power of Chinese brands increasingly evident. In 2025, Byd sold 4.6 million vehicles worldwide, placing it seventh in the global ranking, with 7.7% growth over 2024. Seventh behind Stellantis at 5.48 million vehicles, but far behind Toyota, the leader of the ranking with 11.3 million vehicles sold. What puts Byd in potential overtaking lane is the leap in electric sales: first in 2025 with 2.2 million cars sold against Tesla's 1.6 million, the historic leader in the ranking.

Stella Li lights up in her gaze, but circumnavigates the question. 'Right now,' she says, 'we just have to think about developing our products in all segments and grow a lot in premium (i.e. the Denza brand, ed.). That is our most concrete goal'.

The rest will come. In the company, Toyota is considered to be too far behind and still firmly entrenched in the hybrid, which will be the transitional technology of the coming years. But everything else is within reach, especially with growth rates of 10 per cent per year and European manufacturers struggling. 'We still have a lot to learn from European brands,' says Stella Li reasoning about Byd's potential. 'On management and organisation,' she continues, 'we are still behind, we still have a lot to do. However, we have to be humble and look at our numbers. In innovation and technology, on the other hand, especially in electrics, we feel we are one step ahead of the international manufacturers'.

The main challenge, with electric sales reaching 19% of the total in the EU in April, is new technologies, especially to cut recharging times. 'In this area,' says Stella Li, 'we feel very much ahead. With Flash charging technology (1.5 MW, ed.) we can ensure very fast charging times even in extreme weather conditions. Charging that takes too long is the main obstacle holding back sales of new-fuelled cars. We have the tools to convince consumers that we can overcome this obstacle and electric is the best choice.

While Stella Li is speaking, a demonstration of Flash charging, the device designed, patented and produced by Byd, is underway in the Byd pavilion. Flash charging, which has an energy accumulator to support it, can charge two cars at the same time with power up to 1,000 kw. In five minutes recharging goes from 10 to 70 per cent and in nine minutes to 90 per cent. Thirty-five recharges per day are possible even at minus 35 degrees Celsius. A total of 330 recharging stations will be installed in Europe, of which 150 in Italia, rising to 300 by 2027. Byd is in talks with energy distributors for synergies and agreements.