BYD's Hungary Factory Under Scrutiny
The construction site of BYD's electric vehicle factory in Szeged, Hungary, has been marred by two worker deaths in less than six months. According to CNBC, a second worker died on June 18, 2026, after being struck by a lorry. This incident follows another worker death at the site in February 2026.
The Deep Dive: Labor Practices and Safety Concerns
The recent fatalities have raised concerns over labor practices and safety measures at BYD's Hungary factory. While BYD has denied previous allegations of labor abuse, the company did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest fatality. Local authorities are investigating the incident.
AIM Construction Hungary Ltd., the construction company involved in the project, was fined 34,500,000 forints ($110,350) over occupational security issues. This raises questions about the effectiveness of safety measures implemented at the construction site.
Audit & Contradictions
The factcheck data reveals some verified claims and potential contradictions. While it is verified that a second worker died at the construction site, the extent of labor abuses and working conditions at the site is not fully substantiated. There is also no immediate response from BYD on the latest fatality.
"The report states that a second worker has died at BYD's electric vehicle factory construction site in Szeged, Hungary. The death occurred on June 18, 2026, and the worker reportedly died after being struck by a lorry." - CNBC
Future Outlook
The incident may have implications for BYD's production timeline and reputation. The company began moving production machinery into the site in January 2026, with full production expected in the third quarter of 2026. Any delays or concerns over labor practices may impact BYD's competitiveness in the European EV market.