A new China-UK CEO council was announced, of which BYD is the only Chinese vehicle manufacturer. The council also has representatives from both governments, along with members of the CBI and the China International Contactors Association.
BYD also revealed that its electric buses operating in the UK have now passed one million miles – with the resulting saving of carbon emissions said to be 1,500 tonnes.
A joint venture with Alexander Dennis (ADL) means all BYD-ADL electric vehicles are built by ADL in the UK. The partnership claims a 90% share of the London market for electric buses and 50% for the UK as a whole, with 189 vehicles in operation or on order.
Speaking in Beijing, Isbrand Ho, managing director of BYD Europe, said this is “a golden era” for trade relationships, adding: “We have pioneered the first product range – buses – which is already making a contribution to improving air quality in the UK. We have other products which can help in this battle and we hope to be introducing them in the years ahead.”
