Fourteen members of the European Parliament have formally requested that the European Commission investigate BYD over potential cybersecurity risks. The initiative, led by French MEP François Kalfon, suggests that connected vehicle sensors, including cameras and microphones, could expose sensitive infrastructure to security threats.
The lawmakers are urging the EU to assess whether BYD should be classified as a high-risk supplier. Potential consequences of this investigation could include restrictions on BYD vehicles accessing strategic civilian and military infrastructure, as well as the company's exclusion from public procurement projects.
BYD has denied the allegations, stating that data collected by its European vehicles is not accessible to its entities or third parties in China. The company maintains that customers retain full control over their personal information and that data is not shared with Chinese authorities.
Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association shows that BYD sold 283 997 cars in Europe through September, capturing a 2.7 percent market share. This volume surpasses Ford's sales on the continent for the same period.
Chinese automotive groups, including BYD, SAIC Motor, Geely Group, and Chery, now hold a combined 11.1 percent share of the European market. Geely leads this group with 343 875 units sold, followed by BYD, SAIC with 272 251 units, and Chery with 260 650 units.
