BYD plans to start European car sales next year

BYD Co., the automaker backed by Warren Buffett, plans to start selling electric and hybrid cars in western Europe next year as the first Chinese company to market alternative energy-powered vehicles in the region. The E6 electric car is among the models BYD plans to introduce, Paul Lin, a company spokesman. The Shenzhen, southern China-based carmaker may eventually design and build cars in Europe, he said. BYD has teamed up with Daimler AG to develop electric vehicles in China and plans to begin selling cars in Europe and the United States as consumers seek to curb spending on gasoline and reduce emissions. (March 9, 2010)