Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD will assume direct control over distribution of its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Australia from July 2025, ending its partnership with national distributor EV Direct a year ahead of schedule. The strategic shift aims to streamline operations, broaden retail access, and support growing demand for new-energy vehicles across the country.
Under the new arrangement, BYD Australia will oversee national distribution, while the retail network will be managed by a newly formed entity, EV Dealer Group (EVDG), which includes the current EV Direct management team. Eagers Automotive, one of Australia’s largest dealership groups, will remain a key retail partner.
“Phase One proved the BYD brand would thrive here; Phase Two will make new-energy vehicle ownership easier and more accessible than ever,” said Luke Todd, founder of EV Direct and incoming Executive Chairman of EVDG, in a statement to The Driven.
EV Direct has delivered over 50,000 new energy vehicles in Australia since the BYD brand entered the market, including the Atto 3, Dolphin, and Seal models. In 2024, BYD expanded its lineup with the launch of the Sealion 6 and Shark 6 plug-in hybrid vehicles, followed by its Essentials range and the Sealion 7 electric SUV.
The company is also deepening its role in the rideshare sector. A global deal signed in 2024 with Uber includes the deployment of 100,000 EVs in major markets, including Australia. Locally, the partnership has enabled leasing and financing options for 10,000 BYD Atto 3 vehicles.
The shift to direct sales in Australia mirrors similar moves in other international markets. In 2024, BYD took over dealer relationships in Germany after parting ways with importer Hedin, citing dissatisfaction with performance.
BYD’s direct-to-market strategy is expected to improve service infrastructure, reduce delivery times, and bolster its position as one of the leading EV brands in Australia.
