BYD top executive Stella Li is said to have recently courted Renault.Image: BYD“There was a desire to take control,” an insider told Les Échos. However, the French group reportedly rejected BYD’s advances twice. Renault has made it a principle not to enter into such agreements in its core market of Europe, according to the newspaper. It is no secret that Renault, as a relatively small manufacturer, relies on alliances and partnerships. Particularly in the current, highly capital-intensive transformation phase, the brand is seeking closer collaboration with other manufacturers.However, BYD’s offer apparently went too far for Renault. According to Les Échos, the first approach occurred around two years ago. After several meetings, BYD reportedly proposed taking a stake in Renault. At the time, however, under CEO Luca de Meo, Renault had already forged closer ties with another Chinese manufacturer: Geely. In 2022, the Chinese company acquired a 34 per cent stake in Renault Korea Motors, followed by an investment in Renault do Brasil in 2025. Additionally, Renault and Geely, together with oil company Aramco, operate the joint venture Horse Powertrain for internal combustion engines. Nevertheless, Europe has remained Renault’s domain.As Les Échos reports, BYD made a second attempt in autumn 2025, once again proposing to take a stake in Renault. “Such a move would have given the French group access to BYD’s technology for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as its battery production capabilities. In return, the Chinese manufacturer would have gained access to Renault’s European plants,” the newspaper stated. However, the Chinese group was not seeking a partnership but rather “there was a desire to take control.” For Renault, this was clearly a no-go.Neither BYD nor Renault have officially confirmed the discussions, according to Les Échos. The accounts are based solely on insider information. Nevertheless, BYD is open about its growth ambitions in Europe. While the company has established its own plant in Hungary, plans for another factory in Turkey have been put on hold. Instead, BYD is now searching for a production site in Southern Europe. “We would prefer to take over an existing plant,” emphasised BYD Europe CEO Stella Li during a recent press event in Berlin.Les Échos also reports that Stella Li has indicated on another occasion that she is considering the acquisition of one or more traditional brands. She is said to have shown particular interest in Maserati.lesechos.fr (in French)
