Gasgoo Munich- BYD announced on March 11 it had become a member of the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), marking a notable step forward for Chinese automakers in shaping global automotive standards.
Image source: BYD
As one of the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturers, BYD will now take part in the development of key international industry standards alongside major global carmakers such as Volkswagen and General Motors.
The IATF is widely regarded as the authority behind the global automotive quality management framework, with its membership historically dominated by European and North American manufacturers. BYD's admission followed a nomination by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and was approved through a vote by existing members. The move underscores the growing international influence of China's automotive sector and signals broader recognition of the country's technological capabilities and quality management practices.
Established in 1999, the IATF was founded by major automotive industry associations representing leading car-producing nations. These include the AIAG (United States), ANFIA (Italy), FIEV (France), SMMT (United Kingdom), and VDA (Germany), together with several global automakers. The organization is best known for establishing internationally recognized certification standards that define quality management practices across the automotive supply chain. Compliance with these standards has become a widely accepted requirement for suppliers seeking entry into global vehicle manufacturing networks.
BYD said its participation could help strengthen the role of emerging electric vehicle leaders in shaping the future regulatory and quality landscape of the automotive sector. Leveraging its expertise in electrification and intelligent vehicle technologies, the company plans to work closely with IATF members and supervisory bodies such as the International Automotive Oversight Bureau (IAOB). The collaboration will focus on aligning evolving standards with the rapid transformation of the industry, particularly as automakers worldwide accelerate their shift toward electrified and software-defined vehicles.
BYD's growing global influence has been reinforced by strong sales momentum. In 2025, the company sold 4.6024 million vehicles worldwide, maintaining its position as the top-selling new energy vehicle manufacturer for a fourth consecutive year. Overseas markets have become a major growth driver, with passenger cars and pickups exported totaling about 1.0496 million units for the year—an increase of 145% from the previous year. BYD's new energy vehicles are now present in 119 countries and regions, with markets such as Brazil, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore recording particularly strong demand.
As the global automotive industry accelerates its transition toward electrification and intelligent mobility, BYD said its membership in the IATF will serve as a new platform for deeper international engagement. The company plans to contribute its technological expertise and vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities to the development and refinement of future automotive standards.
