Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Joins BYD to Spearhead Global External Relations and European Expansion

[Global Expansion] Peter Szijjarto, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, has officially joined BYD to lead global external relations and new business development.

Key Move: 47-Year-Old Former Statesman Takes on International Strategy Role at Automaker

Szijjarto announced his resignation as a Hungarian Member of Parliament on July 15, 2026, accepting an invitation from BYD to serve as Head of External Relations and New Business Line Development. His responsibilities are global in scope and not limited to BYD’s local team in Hungary.

Strategic Foundation: Deepening China-Hungary Collaboration and European Expansion

As Hungary’s Foreign Minister from 2014 to 2026, Szijjarto was instrumental in advancing BYD’s factory project in Hungary—one of the largest foreign investments in Hungarian economic history. Located in Szeged, the facility will produce complete vehicles and core EV components (triple electric systems). BYD also plans to establish its European regional headquarters in Budapest in May 2025.

Industry Impact: Bridging Politics and Business to Accelerate Chinese Automakers’ Global Reach

Szijjarto’s appointment underscores BYD’s strategic intent to leverage high-level political connections to access overseas government and enterprise resources, providing a critical anchor for deepening its localized presence in the European market.