In a regulatory filing earlier this month, the Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD disclosed that it is aggressively looking for ways to get into the Canadian automotive market. This calculated action is being taken at the same time that Canadian authorities are considering imposing tariffs on Chinese-imported automobiles.
Canada said in June that it was considering imposing duties on electric vehicles built in China, a move aimed at protecting its auto sector and putting it in line with global allies like the US and the EU. This thought process is a result of worries over what is thought to be an excessively subsidized Chinese electric vehicle industry in Western circles. Ottawa launched a month-long public consultation period on July 2 in an effort to better understand industry effect and public opinion. The government highlighted the possible dangers of unrestricted Chinese help for the country’s electric vehicle sector. Authorities cautioned that if nothing is done, there may be a large influx of imports, which might jeopardize domestic EV investments and the country’s automotive industry’s overall transformation.
The details of the meeting between representatives of BYD Canada and Canadian government authorities are still unknown. The timetable for BYD’s entry into the Canadian market was also kept unclear in the regulatory filing, however discussions regarding the potential effects of increased tariffs on electric vehicles were mentioned. Furthermore, the corporation declared that it will introduce electric passenger cars to Canada.
In a parallel development, BYD debuted in Mexico in May with the Shark, a mid-size hybrid-electric pickup truck. During this event, BYD’s regional head made it clear that the firm was not targeting the American market and downplayed the effect of recent tariff rises in the US on Chinese electric vehicles.
