The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) has attracted significant attention in recent years through strategic initiatives in Türkiye and Uzbekistan. The company’s investments in these two countries are noteworthy not only for their potential to transform local automotive industries but also for their role in strengthening China’s influence in the global EV market.
Billion-Dollar Investment in Türkiye
In 2024, BYD signed an investment agreement worth approximately USD 1 billion to establish a factory in the Manisa province of Türkiye, with an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. Türkiye’s participation in the Customs Union with the European Union offers BYD tariff-free access to the European market, enabling the company to avoid high import duties imposed on non-EU producers. This plant is regarded as one of the most strategically significant production hubs in Europe for a Chinese automaker. [1]
BYD entered the Turkish market in October 2023 in collaboration with ALJ Türkiye. Models such as the ATTO 3, SEAL, and HAN quickly gained market traction. In the first four months of 2025, BYD sold 13,608 vehicles in Türkiye, making it the fastest-growing market for the company in Europe. By April 2025, its market share had reached 6.3%.[2]
Regional Manufacturing Hub in Uzbekistan
In Central Asia, BYD has begun to establish a strategic position. In 2023, the company launched joint ventures with local partners to build EV and battery manufacturing facilities in Uzbekistan. This initiative is seen as part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to modernize its automotive industry. According to government statements, such investments are expected to increase domestic production, facilitate the transfer of technological expertise, and create new employment opportunities.
The Uzbek facilities are expected to serve other Central Asian markets as well. With its advantageous geographic location, Uzbekistan can provide efficient logistical access to countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This aligns with BYD’s objective of creating a regional production and distribution base. [3]
Technology Transfer and Economic Impact
These two investments not only expand production capacity but also accelerate the dissemination of Chinese EV technology within the Turkic world. While the Turkish facility is positioned as an assembly and export hub for the European market, the Uzbek plants are expected to focus on serving the domestic and regional markets of Central Asia. This arrangement positions the Turkic region as a strategic node in China’s global EV supply chain.
Experts highlight that BYD’s projects will contribute to green transition goals in both Türkiye and Uzbekistan. They are also expected to generate long-term benefits in terms of localizing EV technology and strengthening after-sales service and maintenance infrastructure.
Assessment from a Political Balance Perspective
The significance of BYD’s investments in Türkiye and Uzbekistan extends beyond economics into the geopolitical sphere. Türkiye continues to serve as a bridge between Europe and Asia, while diversifying its role in the global supply chain through trade relations with China. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, pursues a foreign policy aimed at maintaining balanced relations with Russia, China, and the West. These projects offer both countries expanded room for political maneuvering in a multipolar world by leveraging economic cooperation. Consequently, BYD’s ventures play a strategic role not only in the automotive industry but also in shaping regional power dynamics.
[1] Financial Times. (2024). BYD agrees $1bn deal to build electric vehicle plant in Turkey.
[2] Daily Sabah. (2025). Türkiye emerges as Chinese BYD’s fastest-growing market in Europe.
[3] JPMorgan Research. (2023). Global Electric Vehicle Outlook: Expansion in Emerging Markets.
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