BYD SUV owner opts for full loan settlement after highway scare

New Straits Times

01-06-2025

SHAH ALAM: The owner of a fully electric BYD Atto 3 sport utility vehicle (SUV), which recently went viral following a harrowing incident on a highway, has decided to part ways with the vehicle through a full loan settlement borne entirely by BYD Sime Motors.
According to a Sinar Harian report, Izwan Hassan, 33, said the decision was made after prioritising his family's safety, despite incurring a minor financial loss from the loan instalments paid during his 10-month ownership.
"We appreciate the professional conduct shown by BYD Sime Motors in resolving this matter amicably by repurchasing the vehicle through a full settlement with the bank.
"Although I did suffer a slight financial loss from the instalments paid, I am not willing to risk a repeat of the incident. My family's safety is paramount," he said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
Earlier, Izwan and his family endured a terrifying moment when the newly purchased electric SUV suddenly came to a halt in the fast lane of the Cheras–Kajang Expressway.
The incident occurred on May 1 while they were travelling from Melaka to Penang, with the vehicle reportedly cruising at speeds between 90 and 100km/h.
The vehicle was later sent to the BYD Glenmarie service centre, where it remained for 12 days before company representatives met Izwan in Melaka. Contrary to initial assumptions that a faulty 12V battery was to blame, BYD clarified that the root cause was a defective sensor on the driver's door.
"They informed me that when the door sensor malfunctions, the vehicle's safety system is automatically triggered. Hazard lights turn on instantly, the brakes engage abruptly, and the entire system shuts down.
"Based on dashcam footage, the car began braking at 12:20:21am while moving at 106km/h and came to a complete stop by 12:20:27am, in under seven seconds," he said.
What raised further concern, Izwan added, was the complete lack of warning prior to the vehicle's emergency response.
"The tyres could not be turned even after shifting the gear to neutral. Everything happened so fast, we couldn't react in time. The safety system is supposed to protect passengers, but in this case, it posed a danger," he said.
The incident has since sparked widespread debate among netizens and electric vehicle (EV) owners, particularly over the reliance on automated systems that fail to provide early warnings when malfunctions occur.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Izwan said the experience had taught him to be more cautious when selecting a vehicle.
"For now, we're exploring other vehicle options that offer stronger safety features and more reliable after-sales support. I've also learnt not to be easily swayed by viral promotions on social media," he said.
As of press time, BYD has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.