With the influx of Chinese vehicles on the South African market, our overview of these often little-known brands will help you make sense of this new motoring movement – from what’s on offer to the exciting new models on the way. Today is the turn of BYD (Build Your Dreams).
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BYD Fast Facts
- Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
- Founded: 1994
- SA lineup: 7
- Cheapest model: Dolphin (from R539 900)
- Most expensive model: Seal Performance AWD (R 1 199 900)
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is the world’s leading NEV seller, shifting more than 4.2 million units globally in 2024. The South African contribution, however, is unclear, though we can speculate… The Shenzhen-based company was founded in November 1994, with the official registration occurring in February 1995. In 2003, it ventured into the automobile sector.
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Operating under the radar since its mid-2023 arrival in SA, BYD launched a flurry of new models, including the Shark 6 bakkie, in April this year. The Shark 6 is SA’s first PHEV bakkie with a combined power output of 321 kW and 650 N.m. The pure electric driving range is a claimed 85 km, with the combined range (1.5-litre turbopetrol and electric motor) rated at 670 km. BYD has three sub-brands, including Yangwang and Fangchengbao, but their local availability is still unconfirmed. However, following our trip to BYD’s HQ in November 2024, it was hinted that Fangchengbao is under consideration for our market.
Find the full feature in the June 2025 issue of CAR Magazine.
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