Renault turns down BYD's proposals to buy stake and use European factories

BYD approached Renault twice, first in 2024 and again in autumn 2025, offering to purchase shares in Renault Group and to obtain access to its European production capacity. Renault rejected both proposals, according to French daily Les Echos; neither company confirmed the talks or disclosed the size or price of any potential stake.

BYD’s interest reportedly includes access to Renault’s factories in Europe and a technology swap – BYD would provide electric‑vehicle, plug‑in hybrid and battery technology, while Renault would allow use of its plants. The French firm remains partnered with Chinese automaker Geely through a joint venture, and the French state remains the largest single shareholder.

The negotiations occur as BYD faces a 27 % EU import tariff on fully electric cars from China and seeks to establish production in Europe, having opened a plant in Hungary and looking for additional sites in southern Europe.