Latest news with #StellaLi
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
BYD fires against UK Government's EV grants
The world's largest electric car maker, China's BYD (Build Your Dreams), has come out firing against the UK Government's new EV subsidies, branding the newly announced grants 'stupid'. Labour last week announced a £4.5billion package to support the transition to zero emission transport with a new £650million-backed Electric Car Grant taking centre stage and attracting much attention - though not all for the right reasons. There's already widespread criticism of the scheme with experts calling it 'a waste of public spending' and industry warning it could further compound 'rampant EV depreciation'. But BYD's rejection of the initiative is perhaps the most scathing reaction so far. It has been fuelled by reports that Chinese car makers have seemingly been left short by the UK Government; it is reported that the region's ongoing reliance on coal-powered energy for its vehicle assembly and battery manufacturing will fail to adhere to the scheme's sustainability criteria. Manufacturers will discover if they've met the required thresholds to qualify early next month. BYD's CEO Wang Chuanfu called the subsidies a 'bit of a joke', hitting out at their effectiveness. He told the Financial Times : 'They are too small and too late. By the time they start to take effect, the market will already be saturated with Chinese EVs.' BYD's vice-president Stella Li, also predicts that the Chinese brand's sales wouldn't be affected by the policy, telling the FT that the world's biggest EV producer is undeterred and will create 5,000 more jobs by next year as part of its rapid European expansion. On 15 July, Transport Secretary Heid Alexander announced that drivers across the UK will soon enjoy discounts on a range of new electric cars of up to £3,750 . Part of the Plan for Change, the grant is aimed at making electric car ownership a reality for thousands of people by 'putting money back in working people's pockets'. Supporting Labour's phase out of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the Electric Car Grant (ECG) is the first buyers will get incentives for new EV purchases since the previous Conservative regime withdrew its Plug-In Car Grant in 2022. Although cars price at or under £37,000 are eligible, many won't make the cut for the highest available subsidy of £3,750, let alone the lower £1,500 grant allowance, if they fail to meet stringent manufacturing emissions barometers. Manufacturers have been invited to apply for the grant scheme, though it is unclear which models will be eligible. Reports have said the Department for Transport will provide a list of qualifying EVs on 11 August. However, the DfT has told This is Money that it will be releasing a list of some money eligible before then, likely in the first week of next month. That said, Chinese car makers almost certainly face the biggest difficulties qualifying, with recent reports suggesting their EVs will be banned altogether. While many Chinese manufacturers - including MG, LeapMotor and Great Wall Motors (GWM) - have already announced their own EV grants of similar discounted value to compensate, BYD says it isn't going to follow suit. Instead it's going against the grain and dismissing both the introducing of the grants and their use. 'It does not make any sense. This subsidy actually sounds like they will give some companies a benefit, but it's more like a drug. If you get rid of this, you will suffer,' Li told the FT. Alfredo Altavilla, a special advisor for BYD's European operations, also said that there's not way to prevent the success of Chinese-made cars in the long run: 'The question is, is there any European government who can afford to fight against Chinese-made cars forever? No. So what's the purpose of doing all this?' To prove a point, BYD is going full steam ahead with its expansion plans, aiming to produce cars in Hungary and Turkey and open 2,000 retail stores in Europe, 280 of which will be in the UK. Each dealership will employ around 20 people. BYD has also signed a new sponsorship deal with Italian football club Inter Milan to appear on the back of team shirts. The arrangement will see both the men's first team and its top management and coaches provided with 70 BYD vehicles. The Shenzhen-based company is building on its highly successful Euro 2024 sponsorship which helped push brand awareness in the UK from just one per cent in 2023 to 31 per cent in 2024. Li said: 'My dream is in five years, you're walking in a supermarket and everyone will know, 'oh, BYD, we know them, they're a high-tech company'. In the fourth quarter of 2024 BYD overtook Tesla as the largest EV manufacturer in the world, and as of April 2025 it also sold more pure EVs in Europe than Tesla for the first time. As such it's been called an 'overnight success' and as of March 2025 has sold a whopping 11.6 million EVs.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
World's largest EV maker brands Labour's Electric Car Grant 'stupid'
The world's largest electric car maker, China's BYD (Build Your Dreams), has come out firing against the UK Government's new EV subsidies, branding the newly announced grants 'stupid'. Labour last week announced a £4.5billion package to support the transition to zero emission transport with a new £650million-backed Electric Car Grant taking centre stage and attracting much attention - though not all for the right reasons. There's already widespread criticism of the scheme with experts calling it 'a waste of public spending' and industry warning it could further compound 'rampant EV depreciation'. But BYD's rejection of the initiative is perhaps the most scathing reaction so far. It has been fuelled by reports that Chinese car makers have seemingly been left short by the UK Government; it is reported that the region's ongoing reliance on coal-powered energy for its vehicle assembly and battery manufacturing will fail to adhere to the scheme's sustainability criteria. Manufacturers will discover if they've met the required thresholds to qualify early next month. BYD's CEO Wang Chuanfu called the subsidies a 'bit of a joke', hitting out at their effectiveness. He told the Financial Times: 'They are too small and too late. By the time they start to take effect, the market will already be saturated with Chinese EVs.' BYD's vice-president Stella Li, also predicts that the Chinese brand's sales wouldn't be affected by the policy, telling the FT that the world's biggest EV producer is undeterred and will create 5,000 more jobs by next year as part of its rapid European expansion. On 15 July, Transport Secretary Heid Alexander announced that drivers across the UK will soon enjoy discounts on a range of new electric cars of up to £3,750. Part of the Plan for Change, the grant is aimed at making electric car ownership a reality for thousands of people by 'putting money back in working people's pockets'. Supporting Labour's phase out of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the Electric Car Grant (ECG) is the first buyers will get incentives for new EV purchases since the previous Conservative regime withdrew its Plug-In Car Grant in 2022. Although cars price at or under £37,000 are eligible, many won't make the cut for the highest available subsidy of £3,750, let alone the lower £1,500 grant allowance, if they fail to meet stringent manufacturing emissions barometers. Manufacturers have been invited to apply for the grant scheme, though it is unclear which models will be eligible. Reports have said the Department for Transport will provide a list of qualifying EVs on 11 August. This is Money is seeking confirmation from the department to verify this date. However, Chinese car makers almost certainly face the biggest difficulties qualifying, with recent reports suggesting their EVs will be banned altogether. While many Chinese manufacturers - including MG, LeapMotor and Great Wall Motors (GWM) - have already announced their own EV grants of similar discounted value to compensate, BYD says it isn't going to follow suit. Instead it's going against the grain and dismissing both the introducing of the grants and their use. 'It does not make any sense. This subsidy actually sounds like they will give some companies a benefit, but it's more like a drug. If you get rid of this, you will suffer,' Li told the FT. Alfredo Altavilla, a special advisor for BYD's European operations, also said that there's not way to prevent the success of Chinese-made cars in the long run: 'The question is, is there any European government who can afford to fight against Chinese-made cars forever? No. So what's the purpose of doing all this?' To prove a point, BYD is going full steam ahead with its expansion plans, aiming to produce cars in Hungary and Turkey and open 2,000 retail stores in Europe, 280 of which will be in the UK. Each dealership will employ around 20 people. BYD has also signed a new sponsorship deal with Italian football club Inter Milan to appear on the back of team shirts. The arrangement will see both the men's first team and its top management and coaches provided with 70 BYD vehicles. The Shenzhen-based company is building on its highly successful Euro 2024 sponsorship which helped push brand awareness in the UK from just one per cent in 2023 to 31 per cent in 2024. Li said: 'My dream is in five years, you're walking in a supermarket and everyone will know, 'oh, BYD, we know them, they're a high-tech company'. In the fourth quarter of 2024 BYD overtook Tesla as the largest EV manufacturer in the world, and as of April 2025 it also sold more pure EVs in Europe than Tesla for the first time. As such it's been called an 'overnight success' and as of March 2025 has sold a whopping 11.6 million EVs.
Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
BYD Group Becomes Global Automotive Partner of FC Internazionale Milano
MILAN, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BYD Group, global leader in electric vehicles and sustainable mobility, has entered into a major three-year strategic partnership with FC Internazionale Milano, becoming the club's official Global Automotive Partner. The collaboration marks one of the most significant cross-industry alliances between the automotive sector and professional football. The agreement includes a comprehensive collaboration between BYD and Inter, aimed at strengthening both brands' international presence and supporting joint growth strategies. BYD will provide approximately 70 vehicles to Inter's first-team players, coaching staff, and top management—offering access to the brand's latest innovations in electric and plug-in hybrid (DM-i) mobility. 'We are excited to collaborate with FC Internazionale Milano,' said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD. 'Inter has a vast global fanbase, which aligns naturally with our brands, BYD and DENZA. Our organizations are inspired by passion, driven by innovation, and committed to investing in the talents of the future. I am confident we will explore exciting opportunities to shape this shared vision in the coming seasons.' Giorgio Ricci, Chief Revenue Officer of Inter, echoed the enthusiasm. 'We are extremely pleased to announce this new partnership, which brings together two global groups united by a constant drive toward the future and a pursuit of excellence. We are proud that the Group, with its BYD and DENZA brands, has chosen Inter as the first football club to partner with. This is a testament to the growing appeal of our brand on a global scale. This partnership opens new opportunities for activations and international content that can engage fans and consumers worldwide. Together, we aim to develop innovative projects that will further position the Group as a benchmark in the global sustainable mobility landscape.' A special Nerazzurri-themed edition of BYD's flagship model, the Sealion 7, will be the first vehicle made available to the club. This customized version will later be released in a limited edition for fans and collectors who want to combine their passion for Inter with state-of-the-art green mobility. Fan engagement is also central to the initiative. BYD is preparing exclusive purchasing and leasing programs dedicated to Inter supporters around the world. Details will be unveiled in the coming weeks, promising fans the chance to enjoy a unique experience behind the wheel of BYD vehicles tied to their favorite club. As BYD's premium brand DENZA prepares for its European debut, the partnership with Inter will serve as a cornerstone of the brand's launch strategy across key markets in the region. This agreement further strengthens BYD's presence in the world of football, following its role as an official sponsor of UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA Under-21 Championship. The Inter partnership reflects the company's broader goal of using sport as a platform to connect with millions of fans globally and promote sustainable mobility on a large scale. For more information: Press Office LaPresse - A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
The Standard
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Standard
BYD partners with Inter Milan, will launch limited edition car in Nerazzurri colors
From left to right : Giorgio Ricci, Chief Revenue Officer of FC Internazionale Milano; Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD; Giuseppe Marotta, President and CEO of FC Internazionale Milano. BYD
The Advertiser
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
BYD's Yangwang luxury brand is going global, under consideration for Australia
China's BYD has confirmed plans to launch its ultra-premium Yangwang brand – which makes the 'jumping' U9 electric supercar – in Europe as a rival to Porsche, Bentley and Jaguar. Speaking to Autocar, BYD vice president Stella Li said, "Our plan is that we bring Yangwang to Europe", with the British publication suggesting the EV (electric vehicle) brand's launch sometime after the Denza brand's 2026 Europe kick-off. It's the first market outside of China and Hong Kong where the Yangwang brand is launching. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. ABOVE: Yangwang U9 Formed in 2022, Yangwang sits atop BYD's brand hierarchy and features the automaker giant's most expensive, exclusive and luxurious models. This currently includes the 'jumping' 960kW U9 electric supercar, quad-motor U7 electric sedan and the amphibious U8 large SUV, an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). While not yet locked in for Australia, the local BYD office wouldn't rule out the Yangwang luxury brand for local showrooms when asked by CarExpert, and the U8 off-roader has been spied testing in the Australian outback and displayed in local showrooms. ABOVE: Yangwang U8 The U8's price in China converts to $234,679 before on-road costs, the highest price for a Chinese-made vehicle at the time (since overtaken by the U9). It would therefore break new ground for a Chinese brand here, too. Right-hand drive production of the U8 – which is even bigger than a Toyota LandCruiser – started in late 2024, making an Australian launch more feasible. The U8 was shown to Australian media on a recent trip to China, suggesting it – and the Yangwang brand – may be heading here. ABOVE: Yangwang U7 Earlier this year, BYD told CarExpert "Nothing's off the table" when it comes to the models it's considering for Australia from BYD and any of its brands, which comprise Denza, Fangchengbao and Yangwang. Of these, BYD Australia has confirmed Denza will be offered in Australia with a planned launch set for late 2025 – and has also suggested some Fangchengbao models will be offered here under the Denza name. Denza sits above BYD in the brand's portfolio as a premium offering, but Yangwang is designed to compete in a more expensive, ultra-exclusive territory against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin. BYD has not yet officially confirmed which Denza models will be sold in Australia but has previously invited media to drive the Z9 GT – a Porsche Taycan-rivalling grand tourer offered with both plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains in China. ABOVE: Denza Z9 GT Denza also makes the Range Rover-rivalling U9 large SUV and the D9 luxury people-mover – a rival to the Zeekr 009 which went on sale in Australia earlier this year – both offered with hybrid and EV powertrain choices. A rival to Geely-owned Zeekr, Denza's launch will follow that of SAIC Motor's IM Motors brand – officially named 'IM presented by MG' – which opened its order books in Australia in June 2025. MORE: Denza brand locked in for Australia MORE: BYD's electric hypercar can jump on its own – but why? Content originally sourced from: China's BYD has confirmed plans to launch its ultra-premium Yangwang brand – which makes the 'jumping' U9 electric supercar – in Europe as a rival to Porsche, Bentley and Jaguar. Speaking to Autocar, BYD vice president Stella Li said, "Our plan is that we bring Yangwang to Europe", with the British publication suggesting the EV (electric vehicle) brand's launch sometime after the Denza brand's 2026 Europe kick-off. It's the first market outside of China and Hong Kong where the Yangwang brand is launching. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. ABOVE: Yangwang U9 Formed in 2022, Yangwang sits atop BYD's brand hierarchy and features the automaker giant's most expensive, exclusive and luxurious models. This currently includes the 'jumping' 960kW U9 electric supercar, quad-motor U7 electric sedan and the amphibious U8 large SUV, an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). While not yet locked in for Australia, the local BYD office wouldn't rule out the Yangwang luxury brand for local showrooms when asked by CarExpert, and the U8 off-roader has been spied testing in the Australian outback and displayed in local showrooms. ABOVE: Yangwang U8 The U8's price in China converts to $234,679 before on-road costs, the highest price for a Chinese-made vehicle at the time (since overtaken by the U9). It would therefore break new ground for a Chinese brand here, too. Right-hand drive production of the U8 – which is even bigger than a Toyota LandCruiser – started in late 2024, making an Australian launch more feasible. The U8 was shown to Australian media on a recent trip to China, suggesting it – and the Yangwang brand – may be heading here. ABOVE: Yangwang U7 Earlier this year, BYD told CarExpert "Nothing's off the table" when it comes to the models it's considering for Australia from BYD and any of its brands, which comprise Denza, Fangchengbao and Yangwang. Of these, BYD Australia has confirmed Denza will be offered in Australia with a planned launch set for late 2025 – and has also suggested some Fangchengbao models will be offered here under the Denza name. Denza sits above BYD in the brand's portfolio as a premium offering, but Yangwang is designed to compete in a more expensive, ultra-exclusive territory against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin. BYD has not yet officially confirmed which Denza models will be sold in Australia but has previously invited media to drive the Z9 GT – a Porsche Taycan-rivalling grand tourer offered with both plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains in China. ABOVE: Denza Z9 GT Denza also makes the Range Rover-rivalling U9 large SUV and the D9 luxury people-mover – a rival to the Zeekr 009 which went on sale in Australia earlier this year – both offered with hybrid and EV powertrain choices. A rival to Geely-owned Zeekr, Denza's launch will follow that of SAIC Motor's IM Motors brand – officially named 'IM presented by MG' – which opened its order books in Australia in June 2025. MORE: Denza brand locked in for Australia MORE: BYD's electric hypercar can jump on its own – but why? Content originally sourced from: China's BYD has confirmed plans to launch its ultra-premium Yangwang brand – which makes the 'jumping' U9 electric supercar – in Europe as a rival to Porsche, Bentley and Jaguar. Speaking to Autocar, BYD vice president Stella Li said, "Our plan is that we bring Yangwang to Europe", with the British publication suggesting the EV (electric vehicle) brand's launch sometime after the Denza brand's 2026 Europe kick-off. It's the first market outside of China and Hong Kong where the Yangwang brand is launching. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. ABOVE: Yangwang U9 Formed in 2022, Yangwang sits atop BYD's brand hierarchy and features the automaker giant's most expensive, exclusive and luxurious models. This currently includes the 'jumping' 960kW U9 electric supercar, quad-motor U7 electric sedan and the amphibious U8 large SUV, an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). While not yet locked in for Australia, the local BYD office wouldn't rule out the Yangwang luxury brand for local showrooms when asked by CarExpert, and the U8 off-roader has been spied testing in the Australian outback and displayed in local showrooms. ABOVE: Yangwang U8 The U8's price in China converts to $234,679 before on-road costs, the highest price for a Chinese-made vehicle at the time (since overtaken by the U9). It would therefore break new ground for a Chinese brand here, too. Right-hand drive production of the U8 – which is even bigger than a Toyota LandCruiser – started in late 2024, making an Australian launch more feasible. The U8 was shown to Australian media on a recent trip to China, suggesting it – and the Yangwang brand – may be heading here. ABOVE: Yangwang U7 Earlier this year, BYD told CarExpert "Nothing's off the table" when it comes to the models it's considering for Australia from BYD and any of its brands, which comprise Denza, Fangchengbao and Yangwang. Of these, BYD Australia has confirmed Denza will be offered in Australia with a planned launch set for late 2025 – and has also suggested some Fangchengbao models will be offered here under the Denza name. Denza sits above BYD in the brand's portfolio as a premium offering, but Yangwang is designed to compete in a more expensive, ultra-exclusive territory against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin. BYD has not yet officially confirmed which Denza models will be sold in Australia but has previously invited media to drive the Z9 GT – a Porsche Taycan-rivalling grand tourer offered with both plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains in China. ABOVE: Denza Z9 GT Denza also makes the Range Rover-rivalling U9 large SUV and the D9 luxury people-mover – a rival to the Zeekr 009 which went on sale in Australia earlier this year – both offered with hybrid and EV powertrain choices. A rival to Geely-owned Zeekr, Denza's launch will follow that of SAIC Motor's IM Motors brand – officially named 'IM presented by MG' – which opened its order books in Australia in June 2025. MORE: Denza brand locked in for Australia MORE: BYD's electric hypercar can jump on its own – but why? Content originally sourced from: China's BYD has confirmed plans to launch its ultra-premium Yangwang brand – which makes the 'jumping' U9 electric supercar – in Europe as a rival to Porsche, Bentley and Jaguar. Speaking to Autocar, BYD vice president Stella Li said, "Our plan is that we bring Yangwang to Europe", with the British publication suggesting the EV (electric vehicle) brand's launch sometime after the Denza brand's 2026 Europe kick-off. It's the first market outside of China and Hong Kong where the Yangwang brand is launching. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. ABOVE: Yangwang U9 Formed in 2022, Yangwang sits atop BYD's brand hierarchy and features the automaker giant's most expensive, exclusive and luxurious models. This currently includes the 'jumping' 960kW U9 electric supercar, quad-motor U7 electric sedan and the amphibious U8 large SUV, an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). While not yet locked in for Australia, the local BYD office wouldn't rule out the Yangwang luxury brand for local showrooms when asked by CarExpert, and the U8 off-roader has been spied testing in the Australian outback and displayed in local showrooms. ABOVE: Yangwang U8 The U8's price in China converts to $234,679 before on-road costs, the highest price for a Chinese-made vehicle at the time (since overtaken by the U9). It would therefore break new ground for a Chinese brand here, too. Right-hand drive production of the U8 – which is even bigger than a Toyota LandCruiser – started in late 2024, making an Australian launch more feasible. The U8 was shown to Australian media on a recent trip to China, suggesting it – and the Yangwang brand – may be heading here. ABOVE: Yangwang U7 Earlier this year, BYD told CarExpert "Nothing's off the table" when it comes to the models it's considering for Australia from BYD and any of its brands, which comprise Denza, Fangchengbao and Yangwang. Of these, BYD Australia has confirmed Denza will be offered in Australia with a planned launch set for late 2025 – and has also suggested some Fangchengbao models will be offered here under the Denza name. Denza sits above BYD in the brand's portfolio as a premium offering, but Yangwang is designed to compete in a more expensive, ultra-exclusive territory against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin. BYD has not yet officially confirmed which Denza models will be sold in Australia but has previously invited media to drive the Z9 GT – a Porsche Taycan-rivalling grand tourer offered with both plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains in China. ABOVE: Denza Z9 GT Denza also makes the Range Rover-rivalling U9 large SUV and the D9 luxury people-mover – a rival to the Zeekr 009 which went on sale in Australia earlier this year – both offered with hybrid and EV powertrain choices. A rival to Geely-owned Zeekr, Denza's launch will follow that of SAIC Motor's IM Motors brand – officially named 'IM presented by MG' – which opened its order books in Australia in June 2025. MORE: Denza brand locked in for Australia MORE: BYD's electric hypercar can jump on its own – but why? Content originally sourced from:
