BYD captures 15% of German plug-in hybrid market in May surge

China’s BYD has disrupted Germany’s auto market, capturing 15% of the plug-in hybrid segment in May. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the carmaker registered 6,169 vehicles in total, with 4,290 being plug-in hybrids—a 232% year-over-year increase. The compact SUV Atto 2 DM-i was the top-selling PHEV model in Germany for the month with 2,113 registrations. This marks BYD’s strongest monthly performance since entering the market in late 2022, challenging iconic German brands like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on their home turf.

Chairman Wang Chuanfu told shareholders that “the worst is over” and reiterated BYD’s ambition to become the world’s largest carmaker by volume within five years. Overseas sales hit a record 160,000 units in May, up 80% year-on-year, with international markets now accounting for over 41% of monthly sales. Despite a slumping domestic market and falling share price, Wang confirmed BYD is on track to exceed its 2026 target of 1.5 million vehicles sold outside China. Germany’s fierce competition makes it the ultimate proving ground, and BYD’s strong May performance signals a decisive shift toward lower-tariff, competitive models.