Chinese EV giant plans complete Aussie takeover
China's BYD will reboot its presence in Australia ahead of an expansion into new territory.
BYD originally established a foothold in Australian through third-party importer EV Direct.
Having grown to become the world's largest manufacturer of hybrid and electric vehicles, BYD will handle Australian operations directly, running its own show from July 1.
BYD established its brand in Australia with compact and affordable electric cars such as the Atto 3 and the Dolphin before moving into $60,000 territory with the BYD Seal electric sedan and Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute.
That latter redefined its class like few other cars, beating the Ford Ranger Stormtrak and GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV s to market to be named our 2024 Car of the Year.
BYD's next steps include a push into premium territory with YangWang and Denza models that rival the likes of Range Rover or Porsche for features and performance.
The manufacturer could have the broadest range of any Chinese car company in Australia, mirroring the likes of Toyota with a comprehensive showroom that spans from cheap and cheerful hatchbacks to family cars, luxury off-roaders, utes and performance cars.
BYD has been approached for comment.
EV Direct founder Luke Todd said his team was 'extremely proud of the role it has played in the launch of BYD into the Australian market, overseeing what has been one of the most successful new car brand launches in Australian history'.
'As a team we are extremely proud of what's been achieved and even more excited by the future as our team reposition into a new role that will help catapult the BYD brand further, right across Australia,' he said.
EV Direct will maintain ties to BYD by shoring up its retail partnership with dealer giant Eagers Automotive under a joint venture known as the EV Dealer Group.
David Smitherman, chief executive of the retail arm, said 'EVDG is proud to represent BYD in Australia, we are investing heavily in our people, our systems and expanding our dealer network to support BYD's growth ambitions'.
'The JV partners will combine the best of both companies to provide an industry leading sales and aftersales experience for BYD customers.'
Mr Wing You, General Manager, BYD Australia, says 'BYD is proud to reaffirm our enduring and long-term partnership with our EV Dealer Group partners, Eagers Automotive and EVDirect, as we continue to expand our presence in the Australian market.
Their unwavering commitment, local expertise and geographic reach have been instrumental in introducing our innovative new energy vehicles to Australian consumers. Together, we are dedicated to accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation and delivering exceptional value to our customers.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Australia and the European Union determined to seal trade deal as talks revived
Australia and the European Union have revived talks for a sweeping free trade agreement as the Albanese government aims to respond to a "rapidly changing global environment" on tariffs. Australia's trade minister Don Farrell met with the European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič met on the sidelines of a summit hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris on Wednesday, local time. "Both Australia and the EU recognise that now is the time to strengthen our economic partnership, and we're working through the remaining issues to try and finalise the deal," Mr Farrell said. A pact with the region was "about building economic resilience in a rapidly changing global environment," he added. It came as US President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Wednesday, leaving America's trading partners reeling from the fresh uncertainty. Mr Sefcovic told journalists "we believe we can achieve substantial progress this year" on an EU-Australia free trade deal, after negotiations have been on ice since 2023. Australian officials could not put a solid timeline on when a pact would be signed, but agriculture is believed to be one of the sticking points. Australia has previously offered to put the removal of its luxury car tax on the table but wants greater access to European markets for lamb and beef exports. However, some big meat-producing EU member countries like France have reservations about opening the bloc's markets to potential major competitors like Australia. Such concerns are also holding up talks with South American countries. The advantages of an EU deal include increased investment, stronger supply chain links, education ties and export opportunities, Mr Farrell said. Earlier on Wednesday, the United States set a deadline for countries to send their best offer in trade negotiations. In February, Mr Trump raised steel and aluminium tariffs to a flat 25 per cent "without exceptions or exemptions", in one of his first moves to aid the struggling domestic industries. The tariffs would apply to millions of tonnes of steel and aluminium imports from Australia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and other countries that had previously been able to enter the US duty-free. On Saturday, Mr Farrell, said that Australia's messaging throughout the upheaval has been consistent and clear. "These tariffs are unjustified and not the act of a friend," he said. Asked what leverage Australia might have to pressure Mr Trump into changing course, Mr Farrell reiterated the government's position that it would not be in Australia's best interests to retaliate. "We're going to coolly and calmly argue our case for the removal of these tariffs," he said. "They don't do what President Trump claims they will do, and we believe that free and fair trade requires [their] removal." ABC/Reuters
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
Aldi sued for stocking ‘confusingly similar packaging' to famous snacks
The supermarket of choice for those on tight budgets is being slugged by a potentially devastating legal case. We've all walked past a couple of dubiously named brands that look very much like the original in Aldi's snack isle. But now those cheaper options are being put under the microscope as multinational corporations put the foot down. Snack maker Mondelez, the company behind Oreos and Ritz crackers, has launched legal action against Aldi's US arm, accusing the discount retailer of stocking 'blatant copies' of its iconic biscuit brands. The case claims Aldi's private-label products bear 'confusingly similar packaging' that could mislead shoppers and damage Mondelez's reputation. The company has requested a court order to block Aldi from selling the products in question, alongside a claim for monetary damages. Side-by-side comparisons submitted in the lawsuit show visual similarities between Aldi's chocolate sandwich cookies and Oreos, both featuring blue packaging with near-identical cookie arrangements. Similar comparisons were made between Aldi's Golden Round crackers and Ritz, both wrapped in red boxes with blue and yellow accents. Mondelez alleges it repeatedly warned Aldi about the likenesses. While the retailer reportedly adjusted or withdrew some packaging, others remain on shelves. Aldi, which operates more than 2500 stores in 39 US states and 600 in Australia, has not commented publicly on the case. Known for keeping prices low by selling mostly in-house brands, the German-founded chain has faced similar legal challenges over its private-label packaging in several countries in the past. In Australia, Aldi was found to have infringed copyright in a 2023 case involving children's snack brand Baby Bellies. The court found some of Aldi's Mamia puff products too closely resembled the benchmark design provided by the brand's licensor, Hampden Holdings. Evidence included internal correspondence acknowledging the resemblance. However, Aldi prevailed in other claims involving rice cakes and has appealed the ruling. Elsewhere, Aldi won a 2018 appeal in Australia against Moroccanoil Israel over similar packaging claims related to haircare products, while in the UK, a court sided with cider brand Thatchers in a dispute over bottle design.
SBS Australia
4 hours ago
- SBS Australia
Defence Sector Spending: Mind Your Own Business
SBS Indonesian 04/06/2025 06:24 It comes as Australia seeks reprieve from recently doubled US tariffs on steel and aluminium. Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 3 pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to our podcasts .
