Alfredo Altavilla, a former top executive at Fiat Chrysler (FCA), has taken on a new role as a special advisor for BYD in Europe. Known for his leadership in FCA’s operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East until 2018, Altavilla now offers a unique perspective on the Chinese automaker from within. Recently, he shared insights during a visit to BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen, where the company was founded over 30 years ago. The visit included tours of the company’s museum, historical sites, technological demonstrations, and a conference on BYD’s new chip development. Altavilla joined BYD in late 2024, tasked with helping the company structure its operations in Europe as it prepares to open its first car factories in Hungary and Turkey. His mission is to ensure the company can replicate the efficiency and speed it has demonstrated in China. During the interview, Altavilla emphasized that BYD does not see itself as a traditional car manufacturer but rather as a technology company. This distinction is crucial, he said, as it reflects the company’s broader mission and values. One of the most striking aspects of BYD, according to Altavilla, is its internal culture and execution speed. He described the "BYD Way," a philosophy centered on high standards and rapid development of solutions. This approach extends beyond new vehicle designs to include continuous improvements of existing products. Altavilla noted that after testing a BYD vehicle, technical teams can implement changes in a matter of weeks—something that would take much longer for many established automakers. This responsiveness, he said, is part of a highly integrated system where engineering, quality, and production teams work closely together. BYD’s impressive size and capabilities are evident in its workforce of around 120,000 engineers. However, Altavilla stressed that the number alone is not the key to the company’s success. What matters is the integration between research and development, quality control, and production teams. This integration ensures that innovations are quickly translated into real products. As BYD expands into Europe, Altavilla believes replicating this level of integration will be a major challenge. The company plans to establish a European headquarters and a research center in Budapest, Hungary, with production expected to start in 2026. This local presence is intended to help BYD avoid import tariffs on electric vehicles from China, which could affect its competitiveness in Europe. Beyond BYD, Altavilla discussed broader changes in the automotive industry. He noted that the sector is undergoing a period of consolidation, with many companies likely to struggle as the industry shifts toward electrification, software, and rapid innovation. He pointed out that traditional automakers are trying to adapt, such as Renault with its new Twingo, which was developed in China with local partners to speed up the process. Altavilla’s insights highlight the changing landscape of the automotive world, where speed of execution and integration of technology are becoming as important as traditional manufacturing expertise.