Ottawa, Ontario — Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has filed documents indicating its intentions to sell passenger vehicles in Canada.
First reported by Automotive News, federal and Ontario lobbyist documents filed in July state the automaker’s latest goal: “to advise the government of Canada on matters related to the expected market entry of BYD into Canada for the sale of passenger electric vehicles, and the establishment of a new business and the application of tariffs on EVs.”
The automaker made the filing amid government conversations regarding tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles. The United States recently announced a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made vehicles imported to the country. Canadian consultations concluded on Aug. 1; no further announcements have been made.
BYD already touts a significant presence in Mexico. The automaker delivered 100 of its Yuan Plus models in Mexico last June, and is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to build a plant in the country.
BYD America CEO said in February 2024 that the automaker had “no plans” to sell passenger vehicles in the U.S. market, pointing out the nation’s “confusing” politics.
BYD produces a range of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including a plug-in hybrid pickup, the BYD Shark, which analysts say could rival top-selling pickups.
BYD and Uber recently announced a partnership “designed to bring 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles onto the Uber platform across key global markets.”
