The Chinese company leading global sales of plug-in vehicles, outsold Tesla in the European Union (EU) for the second consecutive month in August, registering 9,130 passenger car sales compared to the American brand’s 8,220.
Although BYD has delivered fewer vehicles than Tesla in Europe overall in 2025—with 67,632 units sold—it has tripled its total sales up to August compared to the same period last year (19,663 units).
As a result, it is currently the fastest-growing car manufacturer in terms of registrations, with a +244% increase in a European market that has remained virtually flat year-on-year (-0.1%).
1 in 5 BYD cars sold in Europe goes to Spain
Spain is currently one of BYD’s key growth markets in Europe.
In fact, one in every five cars sold by the Chinese brand in Europe was purchased in the Spanish market.
BYD has delivered a total of 14,181 vehicles in Spain up to August—nearly eight times more than during the same period in the previous year (+675%).
The automaker now offers a line-up of 13 vehicles to its Spanish and European customers, including its two flagship models: the BYD Seal 6 DM-i, its latest plug-in hybrid release boasting the highest range in its class (1,500 km total, of which up to 105 km are fully electric); and the Seal U, a plug-in hybrid saloon.
By the end of 2025, the automaker is also set to manufacture a vehicle in Europe for the first time.
The Dolphin Surf will be assembled at the brand’s new facility in Szeged, Hungary.
Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid (DM-i) version of the Atto 2 SUV will also hit the European market in the coming months.
BYD expands European footprint and dealer network
The Chinese brand is now present in 29 countries, with more than 1,000 sales and service points across Europe.
The company aims to double its number of dealerships by 2026, reaching a total of 2,000.
In Spain, BYD’s dealership network currently consists of around 90 locations, with plans to expand to 100 outlets across the country.
Tesla sales plummet for eighth straight month
2025 has been a challenging year for Tesla in Europe.
Elon Musk’s increasing involvement in US politics has had a negative impact on Tesla’s performance, and unless trends change in the final months of the year, the American automaker is on track to record its second consecutive year of declining sales in Europe.
Tesla has now seen eight straight months of falling sales within the EU. In August alone, its operations across the continent dropped by 36.6%, totalling 8,220 units compared to 12,966 in August 2024.
Cumulatively, Tesla has sold 85,673 vehicles so far in 2025—down 43% from the 150,037 units delivered in the January–August period last year.
Spain stands out as one of the few European markets where Tesla is still in positive territory, having delivered 9,303 vehicles this year—an increase of 11.6%.
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