BYD (HKG:1211, SHE:002594) is stepping up efforts in Germany with a string of senior appointments following a recent slowdown in sales, Bloomberg News reported Thursday.

The Chinese EV maker named four new managers, including Christian Lochner, formerly with Fiat Chrysler and Mitsubishi Motors (TYO:7211), as key account manager for fleet sales and dealer support, according to the report.

Birk Pfennig, who previously worked at Hyundai Motor (KRX:005380) and Volkswagen's Seat brand, was reportedly appointed to lead retail sales.

The company has also tapped several former Stellantis executives in recent months, including Maria Grazia Davino, ex-head of its UK business, and Alessandro Grosso, former vice president of Italy sales, it added.

The hires highlight BYD's bid to regain momentum in a market dominated by Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, while also facing new pressure from Stellantis' Chinese partner Leapmotor, Bloomberg wrote.

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