While the acquisition of the Ford plant offers an opportunity to approach a mature automotive supply chain, BYD sees advantages in setting up new facilities of EV outside Germany as well. BYD is also looking for alternative locations for factories in France and Spain.
Ford’s facility in Germany
U.S. automaker Ford Motor is close to a deal to sell a German factory in a deal in which two of the three leading bidders are Chinese automakers.
Chinese EV Makers
One bid came from BYD, China’s largest domestic automaker, while another bid involved several smaller Chinese auto companies, the sources said.
Ford and Saarland, Germany, where the plant is located, are also in talks with a German photovoltaic module maker.
Ford plans to reach a preliminary sales agreement later in June. There are many more interested bidders, and there is no guarantee a deal will be struck by a deadline later this month, but talks could also fail.
Ford says it will work on revamping Saarlouis plant, and create jobs for the future, but declined further comment. Spokesmen for BYD and the Saarland Economics Ministry declined to comment.
Alternative locations
BYD is also said to be looking for alternative locations for factories in France and Spain. Because while the acquisition of the Ford plant offers the opportunity to approach a mature automotive supply chain, BYD sees advantages in setting up new facilities outside Germany as well.
