BYD to Launch Passenger Vehicles in South Korea in Early 2025

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is poised to enter South Korea’s passenger car market early next year, aiming to build on its established presence in the country’s commercial vehicle sector.

BYD Korea, the automaker’s South Korean subsidiary, stated it has “completed review to release passenger car brands in the domestic market,” according to Yonhap news agency, which cited a company press release.

BYD initially entered the South Korean market in 2016, focusing on commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, and forklifts. Now, the company is advancing preparations to launch passenger EVs by setting up a regional sales and service network, recruiting employees, and completing vehicle certifications. “To meet the high expectations of Korean consumers, we conducted in-depth evaluations with experienced employees and partners,” said Cho In-chul, head of BYD Korea’s passenger car division. “We are meticulously preparing to establish a brand that can earn the trust of Korean customers by leveraging our global success and cutting-edge technology.”

The move could intensify competition in South Korea’s growing low-cost EV segment, where domestic automakers Hyundai and Kia are already introducing more competitively priced electric models.

In a related development, BYD and South Korean automaker KG Mobility are reportedly in discussions to build a joint battery cell plant in South Korea, with a production start date targeted for January 2025, according to a report from Korea Economic Daily. If the project proceeds, it would mark the first joint battery venture between a foreign battery producer and a local automaker in South Korea. However, BYD has yet to officially confirm details regarding the battery plant.