In a decisive step forward for BYD’s strategic expansion, the company is placing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the heart of its global growth plans. During an exclusive interview with Stella Li, Executive Vice President and President of BYD Americas, Li outlined how Saudi Arabia is not just another market but a strategic partner in transformation.
According to Li, BYD is “bringing its global No. 1 New Energy Vehicle expertise to the Saudi market but also tailoring its expansion to local needs”, an apparent reference to BYD’s strategic expansion approach in the region.
Localising Operations, Building Trust
Li described a hands‑on model for BYD’s strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia: “Flagship showrooms in Riyadh and Jeddah, sub‑dealers in Dammam, immersive discovery centres, and strategic collaborations with Aramco and the Saudi Green Initiative.”
Highlighting one such collaboration, she said: “We have signed an agreement with Saudi Aramco Technologies Co., a subsidiary of Aramco, to combine research and development capabilities to develop solutions that deliver both environmental and efficiency gains.”
Furthermore, as part of BYD’s strategic expansion across the Gulf, the company plans to deploy “500 to 1,000 ultra‑fast EV charging stations across the Gulf region… one‑megawatt units in Saudi Arabia and the UAE that can deliver a 400‑kilometre range in just five minutes.”
Saudi Vision Aligning with BYD Ambition
Li also emphasised her impression of Saudi Arabia’s pace of transformation: “When I was at the FII conference, I felt that the Saudi government is very committed to its Vision. The officials are not just talking, they deliver and are moving very fast to achieve the Vision’s goals. I am very impressed with the government’s intention to transform the country in such a short period.”
By aligning BYD’s strategic expansion with the Kingdom’s Saudi Green Initiative and other sustainability goals, BYD is positioning itself not just as a supplier of EV technologies but as a strategic partner in Saudi Arabia’s broader industrial metamorphosis.
Empowering Talent and Leadership
True to BYD’s strategic expansion ethos, Li also underscored the importance of local talent and women’s roles at BYD. “Women in every country are present at every stage of the process, and their input is essential to BYD’s success. I am really glad to see Saudi women taking a major role in the development plan. And we are glad to have them here with us in Saudi Arabia.”
She added, “It doesn’t matter how qualified these young people are; we make them able to learn and become the best in the industry.” BYD’s strategic expansion, therefore, isn’t only about physical infrastructure or market access. It’s about building local capability and community.
The Road Ahead
With its Saudi initiative, BYD is clearly taking a long‑term, integrated approach. The target is not just to sell vehicles but to embed new‑energy technologies, infrastructure, local expertise, and leadership in one of the fastest‑moving automotive markets. As BYD’s strategic expansion continues, Saudi Arabia is set to become a key chapter in its global growth story.
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