BYD Plans Major Expansion in Saudi Arabia Following Tesla’s Market Entry

- BYD aims to triple its presence in Saudi Arabia after Tesla’s entry.
- Currently, BYD has three showrooms and plans to reach ten by late 2026.
- The expansion supports Saudi Arabia’s goal of 30% EV adoption by 2030.
- Tesla’s arrival is seen as beneficial for overall EV awareness in the market.
- EVs represent just over 1% of total car sales in Saudi Arabia.
- Saigot emphasized the need for rapid growth and large thinking in the Saudi market.
BYD’s Expansion Strategy in Saudi Arabia
BYD Co., the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) powerhouse, is gearing up for a significant expansion in Saudi Arabia, following the high-profile market entry of Tesla Inc. Recently, Jerome Saigot, the managing director for BYD in the Kingdom, revealed ambitious plans aiming to triple the company’s footprint. Currently, BYD operates three showrooms, but the intention is to ramp up to ten locations by late 2026. This strategy is not merely a business expansion; it aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader objective of positioning itself as a regional EV hub and achieving a target of 30 percent EV adoption by 2030 as outlined in its Vision 2030 initiative.
In summary, BYD is poised for significant growth in Saudi Arabia as it adapts to the changing automotive landscape spurred by Tesla’s entrance. The company plans to increase showroom locations and align its objectives with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious EV adoption goals, but faces challenges in the form of costs and infrastructure.