Chinese auto giant BYD has strengthened its European team by appointing former Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto to a leadership position. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Szijjarto, 47, was a member of the Hungarian parliament for over 20 years and headed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to May 2026. After leaving the government, he joined the Chinese automaker.
"BYD is one of the most successful companies in the automotive industry over the past 20 years. From today, I will be responsible for the external relations of the group of companies and the development of new business areas," Szijjarto wrote on his Facebook page.
The appointment confirmed close cooperation between Hungary and the Chinese auto industry. This country has become BYD's main European foothold. In Szeged, the company is building its first European car plant with a capacity of up to 300,000 cars per year, and in Budapest it will locate its headquarters and research and development center.
Other Chinese companies are also actively investing in Hungary. Electric vehicle manufacturer Nio has already opened a European center for producing equipment for battery swap stations, and the largest battery manufacturers CATL, EVE Energy and Sunwoda are building their own factories.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called cooperation with Chinese automakers one of the key factors in the country's economic development. According to him, China's leadership in electric vehicles and hybrids opens up an opportunity for Hungary to become one of the centers of the new automotive industry in Europe.
Earlier, Kursiv Avto reported that Chinese auto brands have increased sales in Europe.