Chinese automaker BYD debuted its Shark hybrid pickup in Brazil, marking the model’s entry into its third international market following launches in Mexico and Panama.
The launch event, held in Goiania, underscored BYD’s strategic expansion in South America, where the company has sold over 60,000 electric vehicles this year, a milestone noted by Alexandre Baldy, senior vice president of BYD Brazil.
The Shark, based on BYD’s DMO (dual-mode off-road) platform, enters the Brazilian pickup market with specifications aimed at competing against top players like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. It measures 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, and 1,925 mm in height, with a 3,260 mm wheelbase.
The vehicle’s dual-motor setup delivers 430 horsepower, enabling a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. It includes BYD’s Blade battery with a 29.58 kWh capacity, offering an NEDC range of 100 km in electric mode and a combined range of 840 km.
Since pre-orders opened on October 3, approximately 1,000 of the 1,500 initial units have been reserved, each priced at 379,800 reais ($66,620). According to Henrique Antunes, commercial director for BYD Brazil, the Shark aims to achieve annual sales of 10,000 to 15,000 units in Brazil, potentially placing it among the top five midsize pickups. BYD’s vehicle sales in Brazil surged by over 700% in the first nine months of 2024, totaling 51,203 units.
