BYD Shares Bold Expansion Plans for the SA Market

At the local launch of the impressively potent Seal sedan, BYD also invited members of the media to get a better understanding of what the Chinese automaker is all about, and where it hopes to go in South Africa. Like many of its native competitors, there are some bold plans, particularly in the NEV sphere.

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Before understand where BYD plans on going in South Africa, it is worth getting an impression of where they have come from. Founded only a year after I was born in 1995 proved to me the stark revelation that this non-state-owned enterprise has undergone immeasurable growth in its nearly 30-year life. I say immeasurable but in reality, the BYD representatives handling the South African market put some data and stats on the screen. In only 2003, BYD entered the automobile industry (after being established as a battery producer) through the purchase of Tsinchuan Automobile. A display of some forgettable-looking vehicles dots their history until the mid-2010s, well after Warren Buffett acquired a 10% stake in the company. The past decade has also yielded joint ventures with Toyota and some impressive sales stats in the NEV space, including being the first Chinese automaker to sell more than 1 million in 2021. Most impressively, the following year saw this number triple to the 3 millionth NEV sold while 2024 has seen the 8 millionth find its new home.

Related: BYD’s (320 kW!) Shark PHEV Bakkie Confirmed for SA

The presentation further included some stats on its annual revenue, Fortune Global 500 accolade, workforce and presence on each continent in the world. Tackling several industries, BYD dabbles not only in the automotive sphere but also rail transit, renewable energy and electronics with BYD SA MD Steve Chang stating that without us even knowing it, BYD technology is present all around us (while gesturing to a cellphone in my hand).

Specifically in the global market, BYD states that 2023 saw the Chinese automaker export 242 765 vehicles with a whopping 334.2% year-on-year growth rate. The NEV stats aren’t anything to scoff at and when examining the local market it becomes obvious why. Chang was proud to reaffirm that the Dolphin remains the cheapest EV available in the South African market starting at R539 900. It may seems strange for them to now welcome in a sedan, to a market that has a strong inclination for raised ride height SUVs. Chang added that it took several sets of negotiating with China’s head office to get a price desirable enough to make it appealing to local buyers, pricing he adds just about foregoes any profit for the firm.

Related: BYD Seal Lands in SA — Pricing & Specs

In addition to the Seal, the Atto 3 and Dolphin which arrived last year and in April respectively serve exclusively in the local lineup, but that is all about to change. In early 2025, BYD will first introduce its DM-i (Hybrid) SUV, named Sealion 6, which is known as Song Plus or Seal U in other markets. At the same time, the firm will also showcase another EV car although details on this remain clandestine. The third model will be our Shark which has been confirmed and while the launch date is not confirmed, BYD states it will happen early next year. If this isn’t enough of a bustling lineup, the Chinese automaker will also offer another more affordable vehicle next year, but details again remain limited. These will be sold across the 10 dealership network currently, with 12 anticipated by end of the year and 25 dealers earmarked by the close of 2025.

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