Chinese auto giant BYD is seeking to establish a significant presence in Nigeria’s auto market with a large customer engagement center in Lagos.

BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is known for its affordable electric cars and has recently slashed prices on many of its models globally.

It is unclear whether BYD will enter Nigeria directly or via a franchise, as Mandilas is reportedly working to be BYD’s partner in the country.

The cheapest BYD electric vehicle model, the Seagull, now priced from N31 million in Nigeria, is part of BYD’s strategy to compete amid global trade tensions over Chinese EV subsidies.