A BYD Seal U model car.FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty ImagesWarren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is no longer a shareholder in Chinese electric vehicle behemoth BYD, ending an investment that first started in 2008 and delivered billions of dollars in returns to the American investment giant.Berkshire Hathaway Energy, the unit that once held shares in Hong Kong- and Shenzhen-listed BYD, marked the value of the company’s stock as zero as of March 2025, according to a filing made in May to the U.S. Securities a ...

Core Insights - Despite high tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese-made electric vehicles, Chinese automakers have successfully adapted their strategies to penetrate the European market, achieving a 121% year-on-year increase in sales in April, totaling over 53,000 units [2][3] - The market share of Chinese automotive brands in Europe has risen from 2.4% in April 2024 to 4.9% in April 2025, driven largely by the sales of plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles [2][3] - The total share of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in new car registrations in Europe reached a record 26% in April, significantly influenced by Chinese brands [2] Sales Performance - In April, the sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) from Chinese brands surged by 546%, with total sales rising from 1,493 units in April 2024 to 9,649 units in April 2025, capturing nearly 10% of the European PHEV market [4] - BYD's performance was particularly notable, with pure electric vehicle sales reaching 7,231 units in April, a 169% increase, surpassing Tesla for the first time [4] - Overall, the sales of new cars in Europe in April were 1,078,500 units, with pure electric vehicles accounting for 184,000 units (17% market share) and PHEVs for 97,715 units (9% market share) [3] Market Strategy Adjustments - Chinese automakers have shifted their focus to plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles to circumvent the EU's high tariffs on pure electric vehicles, allowing them to expand their product lines in Europe [3][8] - The growth in hybrid vehicle sales in Europe is attributed to a market shift, as electric vehicle sales growth has slowed due to subsidy reductions [8] - The total sales of hybrid vehicles in Europe from January to April reached 1,285,400 units, with a market share of 35.3% [8] Localization Efforts - Chinese automakers are increasingly investing in local production to adapt to European market demands, with companies like BYD and Chery establishing local manufacturing and R&D centers [15][14] - BYD plans to establish a European headquarters in Hungary, focusing on sales, after-sales, vehicle certification, and local design [15] - Chery has partnered with local firms to produce vehicles in Europe, marking a significant step in integrating into the local automotive landscape [14]