Chinese automaker BYD made a notable impact at the IAA Munich auto show, unveiling six models and officially introducing the Seal from the Ocean range to the European market.
The six models showcased at the event include the BYD Seal, Song Plus EV, Atto 3 (known as Yuan Plus in China), Dolphin, Han, and Denza D9.
The BYD Seal is available in two versions in Europe, with price points starting at €44,900 ($48,210) and €50,990. This battery electric vehicle (BEV) initially became available in China on July 29, 2022, and has garnered attention as a strong competitor to the Tesla Model 3.
In China, the BYD Seal is offered in five different versions, with prices ranging from RMB 189,800 ($26,000) to RMB 279,800.
See also: BYD Launches New Tang Family Models in China with Lower Starting Prices
A notable development is BYD’s rebranding of the Chaser 07 as the Seal DM-i, a hybrid variant of the Seal, introduced on July 14. This model entered pre-sale at the Chengdu auto show last month.
The European debut of the Song Plus EV at the Munich auto show signals its upcoming availability in the European market.
Michael Shu, General Manager of BYD’s European car sales division, disclosed that BYD’s passenger new energy vehicles (NEVs) have expanded into 15 European countries in just under a year. They have established over 140 stores across the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain through local partnerships.
This expansion extends BYD’s global reach, with their passenger NEVs now present in 54 countries and territories worldwide, as per a BYD press release.
BYD’s initial entry into the European market occurred on September 28, 2022, with the introduction of three BEVs: the Atto 3, Han, and Tang, marking the start of their European passenger NEV venture.
Looking ahead, BYD is exploring the possibility of establishing a manufacturing plant in Europe. France, Spain, and Germany are under consideration for this endeavor, as reported by French media outlet Les Echos in a May 22 story. Discussions between BYD and relevant authorities are ongoing, as confirmed by an unnamed French minister.
