How China Turned BYD into a Tesla Competitor China's BYD, originally a battery maker venturing into car manufacturing, faced ridicule for its early models. However, the company has now surpassed Tesla in global sales and is rapidly expanding its operations worldwide. BYD's growth has been unprecedented, outpacing even General Motors' historical achievements. Capitalizing on China's dominant position in electric products, BYD has benefited greatly from the country's embrace of electric cars. With its success, BYD has drawn attention and is facing scrutiny, particularly in Europe where its rapid gains have triggered an investigation into Chinese government subsidies. Despite challenges, BYD's low manufacturing costs have positioned it well to weather industry fluctuations. The company's remarkable journey from being the laughingstock of the industry to a global electric car leader highlights its resilience and innovative strategies.