BYD has made its entry into the UAE passenger car market as part of its strategic expansion in the Middle East. Following successful ventures in Israel and Jordan, BYD launched its revolutionary model, the Atto 3, in partnership with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company on June 21.
The Atto 3, also known as the Yuan Plus in China, is the first global model introduced by BYD. This move signifies a significant milestone in the UAE’s commitment to sustainable mobility and aligns with the country’s Net-Zero 2050 strategic goals, according to a press release from BYD.
One of the standout features of the Atto 3 is its competitive pricing. With a price tag of Dh149,900 ($40,810), it stands below the Dh150,000 mark, making it the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) model available through an official dealership in the UAE. Gulf News, an English-language UAE media outlet, highlighted that other EVs in the market are priced closer to Dh200,000 or higher, providing BYD with ample opportunity to establish a strong presence in this market segment.
The Atto 3 was initially launched in China on February 19, 2022, as the Yuan Plus and was subsequently made available for pre-orders in Australia under the Atto 3 name. In China, the model comes in five different versions, priced between RMB 139,800 ($19,470) and RMB 167,800.
Leading up to the official launch in the UAE, the Atto 3 received substantial online attention, with over 95,000 views and more than 3,000 registered leads and 153 bookings, reported Gulf News, citing Al-Futtaim managing director Hasan Nergiz.
Nergiz emphasized BYD’s position as the top EV manufacturer globally, surpassing even Tesla in sales. He expressed enthusiasm about the Atto 3, highlighting its significance as the starting point for BYD’s expansion in the UAE, with plans to introduce additional models in the future.
The Atto 3 represents BYD’s first A-class SUV based on the e-Platform 3.0. It boasts impressive specifications, including a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds and a maximum range of 420 km according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
BYD prioritized meeting the needs and preferences of UAE customers during the development of the Atto 3. The model successfully underwent product localization and high-temperature testing, ensuring its suitability for the unique climate and hot weather conditions in the UAE.
AD Huang, the general manager of BYD Middle East & Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to product localization and its understanding of the UAE market’s specific requirements.