The first batch of BYD’s production line equipment arrived in Szeged, Hungary, on December 9. According to the recent information, the local plant will commence trial production in the first quarter of 2026. The mass production will kick off in Q2.
BYD announced plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Hungary in December 2023. This facility will help the Chinese automaker to avoid additional tariffs for electric cars and improve its competitiveness. BYD signed a land pre-purchase agreement in January 2024. In September 2025, BYD shared that the plant’s construction aligns with expectations.
BYD production line equipment arrived in Hungary
On December 9, the BYD-specialized Chinese source Yuanzhitou 2018 shared a video of the first batch of BYD’s production line equipment arriving in Szeged, Hungary. The source claimed that the local factory will begin trial production in the first quarter of 2026. The official mass production will start in the second quarter.
Previously, BYD officials claimed that the production at the Hungary plant was scheduled to commence by the end of 2025. However, an earlier Reuters report indicated BYD would delay the factory launch until 2026. Moreover, this facility will reportedly operate below capacity for the first couple of years.
The Dolphin Mini (Seagull / Dolphin Surf / Atto 1) electric hatchback will become the first BYD model to be assembled at the factory in Szeged. It will be later joined by other models such as Atto 3 (Yuan Plus), Dolphin, Seal, and Seal U (Sealion 6 / Song Plus). The plant should have a maximum capacity of 300,000 cars annually.
The mass production in Hungary would allow BYD to avoid additional tariffs imposed by the European Union. The Shenzhen-originated company faces a 17% additional tariff on top of the existing 10% customs duty.
