BYD Local Plant, Flash-Charging, Denza To Boost Europe Prospects

InnovationTransportationBYD Local Plant, Flash-Charging, Denza To Boost Europe ProspectsByNeil Winton,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. U.K.-based Neil Winton covers the European Auto industry.Follow AuthorJun 14, 2026, 08:24am EDTDenza Z9 GT (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesBYD, the leading electric vehicle maker which also wants to become the biggest automaker in the world, is making headlines in Europe . It is introducing its so-called five-minute flash-charging system and getting ready to announce the start of production at its first factory in Hungary. BYD joined the Chinese European incursion late, but it is about to overtake SAIC’s MG as the number-one seller from the Middle Kingdom.BYD’s premium subsidiary Denza is also beginning its challenge in the heart of BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Porsche territory. Denza has opened its first showroom in Germany. The Hamburg dealership will sell vehicles like the €117,500 ($136,000 after tax) Denza Z9 GT. A review from Automotive News Europe’s William Boston praised the car’s luxury and high-technology features but said the car “wobbled a bit” at speeds approaching 200 km/h (124 mph). Some German autobahns still have no speed limits, but most accept the general European limit of 130 km/h (81 mph).In the first four months of 2026, BYD sales in Europe of vehicles made in China at 101,221, were behind leader MG’s 110,327, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, known by its French acronym, ACEA. But the ACEA data also suggested that BYD’s pace of sales – up 143.9% - make it likely that it would overtake MG, up 10.3%, shortly. Geely sold the most sedans and SUVs at 138,429, but that included vehicles made in Europe by local subsidiaries like Volvo and Lotus.BYD to join ACEA?ACEA includes all automotive manufacturers selling sedans and SUVs in Europe and in a move said to have divided the members, BYD has app...