GUANGZHOU -- Chinese automaker BYD opened an electric vehicle factory in Hungary on Tuesday, part of efforts to strengthen operations in Europe.

Orders for electric buses used in public transit networks are rising in various parts of the region. Investment for the just-opened plant totaled 20 million euros ($21.3 million). The site will produce 400 vehicles annually, mainly electric buses.

BYD has decided to invest another 10 million euros to open a second European plant in France, given the prospect of brisk demand for electric buses. That factory, targeted to begin operations in the first half of 2018, will roll out 200 vehicles a year.

BYD is the Chinese leader in environmentally friendly vehicles. Such products accounted for 34% of its overall sales in 2016, as the company encourages a shift away from gasoline autos. BYD seeks a stronger presence outside of its home market, and now operates electric bus plants in the U.S. and Brazil as well.