BYD applied for membership in the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). Approval would make BYD the first Chinese automaker to join the lobby group. The ACEA represents the industry before European Union institutions.
The application follows a potential EU subsidy investigation and threatened import tariffs. BYD's expansion includes building its first European production plant in Hungary.
Membership aims to help BYD navigate regulations and compete with European manufacturers. A decision is pending.