BYD: Boss Yells "Deutschland!"

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

Got a nice empty property in an industrial park in Germany? Centrally located, close to a major airport like Frankfurt, or Munich would be a plus? Then we know some Chinese you may want to talk to. They are in Shenzhen and work for BYD. BYD is coming to Europe. And they want to put their European HQ right into the German hornet’s nest.

BYD’s sales chief Henry Li told Die Welt that they are “still looking for the right location.” But Germany it will be. They want to find their German home this year. Starting in 2011, BYD wants to delight the European market with their E6 plugin and their F3DM hybrid. The first country that offers subsidies for electric cars will get the first BYDs. ADAC, prime your crash sleds. But maybe, with Daimler and BYD being in bed, maybe the ADAC will show some professional courtesy.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

More by Bertel Schmitt

Comments
Join the conversation
 1 comment
  • Dr Strangelove Dr Strangelove on Jun 04, 2010

    Opel's Ruesselsheim facilities are next door to Frankfurt Airport. And soon there should be no shortage of qualified employees, either...

Next