China's BYD studying plans for factory in France, executive tells BFM

By Dominique Patton

PARIS, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD  is closely studying the possibility of setting up a factory in France, its executive vice president Stella Li told local TV station BFM on Monday, as the group pushes for further expansion in Europe.

• BYD has already announced it will produce cars in Hungary, with the launch expected in the fourth quarter

• It is aiming to build two more plants in Europe, Li told BFM Business in an interview on the sidelines of the Paris auto show, adding that France could be a possible location

• "France is on the shortlist because your energy is very competitively priced," Li said, according to the report, adding that the group is "closely examining" options for a plant in the country.

• Chinese automakers are scouring Europe for production sites ahead of expected EU local content rules designed to protect the region's industry from a surge in exports from China

(Reporting by Dominique Patton; editing by Kirsten Donovan)