BYD plans to expand local production across Europe and eventually manufacture everything it sells there, according to executive vice president Stella Li. The strategy is designed to deepen the company’s European presence while reducing exposure to EU (European Union) trade restrictions on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Europe sold about 1.6 million EVs in the first half of the year, up 35.1% from a year earlier, while China’s sales fell 6.1%. The EU applies a 10% basic tariff and additional countervailing duties of up to 35% on China-made EVs. Proposed Industrial Accelerator Act rules could also require major strategic-industry investors to meet local hiring, sourcing, research and development, and technology-transfer conditions. Chery Automobile, Leapmotor, Hyundai Motor and Kia are likewise expanding European production.