BYD is the parent of BYD Auto and was founded in Shenzhen in 1995.
BYD began as a rechargeable-battery manufacturer established by Wang Chuanfu. Its name is commonly expanded as “Build Your Dreams,” although the company originally focused on battery production rather than automobiles. BYD entered the automotive industry in the early 2000s and developed expertise in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The company’s activities extend beyond cars. BYD has produced batteries, buses, rail-transit systems, electronics, and other energy-related products. Its vertical integration—making important components such as batteries and electric drivetrains internally—has been a major feature of its business model.
BYD is sometimes mistaken for a purely automotive brand, but BYD Company Limited is the broader corporate group. Its vehicle subsidiary is BYD Auto. The company’s headquarters are in Shenzhen, Guangdong, a major technology and manufacturing center in southern China.