Asturias. It has major attractions suitable for a factory, especially a facility for electric cars. This possibility is widely discussed by industry observers who see real potential in the region.
Asturias is a contender, competing with the Vigo region, and with areas in Germany, France, Poland, and Hungary. The prospect of welcoming Europe’s first BYD electric car factory has become a focal point for regional development officials. The Shenzhen based giant BYD, known as Build Your Dreams, aims to expand across Europe and is eager to establish its own production site, ideally taking ownership of a factory in 2025. Company executives have begun touring pre-selected locales to evaluate suitability.
For years, Asturias has attracted attention from investors keen on automotive manufacturing. Ana Arias Urones, the Secretary for Economic Affairs and a member of the G20 Presidential Cabinet, discussed with Prensa Ibérica and LA NUEVA ESPAÑA the active work on multiple projects where Asturias emerges as a prime candidate for significant green hydrogen and electric vehicle investments. The latest focus, BYD, is presented as a major opportunity whose impact could be transformative for the region. Local officials stress that local identity should not obscure the appeal of strong assets that could drive growth across the principality.
The region’s infrastructure network is highlighted as a critical strength, with ongoing improvements anticipated as the Pajares railway variant becomes operational. This upgrade would enhance logistics and connectivity for factory operations across northern Spain and beyond.
Availability of industrial land is cited as another key advantage. Officials from AEDIVE emphasize that Asturias has ample space to host a car factory immediately. ZALIA, the Logistics Area of Asturias, is identified as a highly suitable site for this type of project due to its location and scale.
Access to the sea is described as essential for a factory aiming to supply Europe. Experts note that ZALIA maintains excellent connections with the ports of Gijón and Avilés, enabling efficient distribution to coastal and inland markets alike.
Human capital is highlighted as a strength, reflecting Asturias’ robust industrial culture and high educational standards. The University of Oviedo hosts strong research teams focused on battery technology and charging infrastructure, underlining a solid knowledge base for advanced manufacturing in this sector.
The existing component and auxiliary industry in Asturias is pointed out as a meaningful backbone for BYD, providing a ready ecosystem of suppliers and collaborators to support full vehicle production.
Top three models and job offers: Chinese group increases its presence in Spain
Y. Gonzalez
AS IT SEEMS, Asturias and Galicia are increasingly viewed as viable regions for new factories as BYD pursues a broader European footprint. The company has recently announced the debut of three electric models in Spain: the Atto 3 midsize SUV, the Han large sedan, and the Tang large SUV. The Dolphin and Seal are anticipated next. BYD notes that these vehicles are available through dealers that are part of the Astara, Quadis, and Caetano networks within Spain. BYD Europe, the regional arm of the group, began operations in the Netherlands in 1998 and has since expanded to markets including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, and Belgium. This year, subsidiaries were established in the United Kingdom and Spain as well. The Spanish arm employs around 25 staff and continues to grow, seeking engineers and other qualified personnel to support expansion. BYD has also partnered with Castrosua, a Galician company, to produce electric buses, where a chassis and battery system are supplied by BYD and Castrosua builds the superstructure. This collaboration underscores how BYD’s production plans align with its global management hub in Shenzhen, China.