Latest news with #Sealion
NZ Autocar
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
BYD Seagull coming to NZ?
Ateco Automotive New Zealand has confirmed it is expanding its BYD dealer and service network across the country, while it's also considering more models, including the budget friendly Seagull. Speaking to Auto Media Group managing editor Richard Edwards at BYD headquarters in Shenzhen, China, BYD New Zealand country manager Warren Willmot says the brand is gearing up for steady, sustainable growth after what he calls a 'tough' 2024 for the EV segment. This also follows on from the signing of a long-term agreement to distribute the Chinese brand locally earlier this year. 'New Zealand is a very different market to Australia, and I can confirm that the recent change in distribution over there has no impact on us,' Willmot says. 'We have renewed our agreement with BYD and are focused on building a strong, stable presence.' EV and PHEV model expansion under review 'We're looking closely at expanding the range with vehicles that are fit for our market – right spec, right price, and profitable for our dealers,' he says. That could include the Seagull city EV, Atto 2 small EV SUV, two new Sealion SUVs in the form of a lower-priced five-seater and larger 7-seater models, and a number of models under the luxury Denza and Yangwang brands. While he wouldn't commit to specific launch dates, Willmot confirms these vehicles are under active review. Willmot acknowledges that after a sharp decline in EV sales in early 2024—dropping from 653 BYD registrations in December 2023 to just 28 in February 2024—the market has begun showing signs of recovery. 'We've already exceeded all of last year's sales within the first four months of 2025,' he says, attributing the turnaround to a more diverse product mix and renewed fleet interest. The recent launch of the Shark plug-in hybrid ute has also contributed to BYD's sales rebound, signalling a broader shift toward dual-powertrain vehicles in response to changing local incentives and consumer demand. Read more 2025 BYD Shark 6 Premium Review New dealerships and service centres planned for regional NZ Willmot says Ateco is currently filling service coverage gaps in regional areas and inviting expressions of interest for new dealerships, particularly in Southland, with Rotorua soon to be added to the sales and service network. The company now operates 15 showrooms and supports more than 25 authorised panel shops nationally. It has also appointed new service partners in Kerikeri and Gisborne and is seeking options on the West Coast. Willmot says fleet and government sales remain a core part of BYD's strategy, but its retail offering is expected to strengthen with new product additions. Parts supply and aftersales support a priority for BYD NZ He adds that parts availability has been a key priority, with a dedicated 5,000m² parts warehouse in Auckland and a willingness to 'pull parts from new cars' if needed to keep customers on the road. While some BYD customers across the Tasman have voiced frustration over service and parts delays, Willmot says New Zealand has avoided similar issues thanks to forward planning and local warehousing. 'We have visibility into the entire global parts network and can get most items here within three days,' he says.
News24
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- News24
Big tech, big ambitions: What to know about BYD's new vehicles in SA
Motorpress The Chinese automotive powerhouse, recognised as the world's largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has officially launched three new models locally: the BYD Shark 6, BYD Sealion 6, and BYD Sealion 7. While BYD's ambitions are clear, the launch event itself left us wanting more. Invited guests were treated to a slick presentation and a closer look at the cars, but when it came to actually driving the vehicles, the experience was minimal. Restricted to a few cautious laps around a parking lot within an office park, the drive offered no real impression of how these vehicles would handle South Africa's demanding roads and traffic. We're eager to put the BYDs through their paces properly soon. If the specifications and features are anything to go by, BYD's latest offerings promise serious disruption—and a refreshing alternative to the entrenched and often overpriced legacy brands. Three new models join the fight These three additions expand BYD's South African line-up to six models, joining the compact Atto 3, the cute Dolphin hatchback, and the sharp Seal sedan launched last year. Together, they complete BYD's strategy of offering both pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) tailored to a market still grappling with high fuel prices, rising living costs, and growing environmental consciousness. BYD Shark 6: The bakkie re-invented First up is the BYD Shark 6, a plug-in hybrid double-cab bakkie—a first for BYD locally and a direct shot across the bow of traditional rivals. Built on BYD's innovative DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, the Shark 6 combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric hybrid system (three electric motors). Together, they produce over 320kW—figures on par with a thirsty 4.0-litre V8—yet the Shark 6 promises impressive efficiency. The electric-only range is estimated at 85km (WLTP), and the combined petrol-electric range stretches to 670km. Even once the battery is depleted, fuel consumption reportedly rises only to around 9.6 litres per 100km— which still leagues better than most ICE bakkies. Performance is strong, too, with 0 to 100 km/h dispatched in just 5.7 seconds. Thanks to an intelligent electric AWD system, the Shark 6 can adjust torque distribution between the front and rear axles in milliseconds, making it capable of handling varied terrain. Safety hasn't been skimped on, either. The Shark 6 incorporates BYD's ultra-safe Blade Battery, known for its robustness, and a high-strength steel frame that increases torsional rigidity by 22%. Whether hammering down a dirt track or easing through city traffic, the Shark 6 is shaping up to be a serious all-rounder. We look forward to seeing it in an off-road environment, as some testing in Australia has revealed that it does fall a bit short when taken off the beaten track. BYD Sealion 6: The family PHEV redefined Next is the BYD Sealion 6, aimed squarely at families looking for space, tech and fuel savings without sacrificing performance. Built around BYD's Super DM-i hybrid system, the Sealion 6 offers a choice between an ultra-efficient front-wheel-drive model and a more powerful AWD variant. The FWD version delivers a worthwhile WLTP-certified fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres per 100km and a total driving range of up to 1080km. AWD versions are a little thirstier but also significantly quicker, with a 0–100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds thanks to 238kW and 550Nm on taps. Inside, the Sealion 6 packs in serious tech: BYD's rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a futuristic head-up display, and smart voice control systems. It feels ready to compete with premium brands—and offers this level of tech at a far more attainable price point. Importantly, the Sealion 6 highlights why plug-in hybrids could be the perfect 'bridge' technology for South Africans who are still wary of going full electric. For many, it could be an excellent replacement for an ageing German or Japanese premium SUV—without the frightening repair bills, rising fuel costs, and sky-high insurance premiums associated with ICE vehicles. BYD Sealion 7: Electric luxury, sharpened Finally, there's the BYD Sealion 7, a fully electric, sport-coupe-styled SUV and arguably the most exciting of the three new arrivals. Two variants are available: Premium and Performance. Both versions utilise BYD's superb Blade Battery, with a capacity of 82.56kWh, offering a WLTP range of up to 482km. Fast-charging tech allows a 20–80% top-up in just 30 minutes via a 150kW DC charger. Performance? Serious. The Performance model hits 0–100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, while the Premium takes a leisurely (relatively speaking) 6.7 seconds. The top speed is a healthy 215 km/h across both versions. BYD's mastery of motor technology is evident here. Thanks to innovative motor designs—including dual V-shape magnets and extremely dense wire windings—the Sealion 7's rear motor can spin up to an incredible 23,000 rpm, making it one of the fastest mass-production electric motors in the world. Inside, the Sealion 7 is a class act. Its huge 15.6-inch screen (which can rotate between landscape and portrait, too), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker Dynaudio system, and loads of space thanks to clever CTB (Cell-to-Body) construction set a new benchmark. Boot space is impressive, too, with 500 litres at the rear plus a bonus 58-litre frunk under the bonnet. BYD's global ambitions are reflected locally BYD has been growing at an eye-watering pace globally, toppling even Tesla as the world's largest EV producer in 2023. Now, South Africa is firmly in its sights. BYD already has eight showrooms open across the country, and plans are under way to expand the dealer network further, ensuring better service, wider access to parts, and stronger brand recognition. It's a smart move. South African consumers are wary of unknown brands, but excellent aftersales support could be the key to winning their hearts and wallets. And there's no denying the value proposition. In a market where traditional petrol and diesel vehicles are becoming painfully expensive to buy, insure, and fuel, BYD offers cutting-edge tech, powerful drivetrains, and top-tier safety at highly competitive prices. It's frankly remarkable how much kit you get for your money. Not all sunshine and rainbows Of course, it's important to remain objective. Buying a car from a newer brand carries risk. Resale values may take a hit compared to long-established players like Toyota, Volkswagen, or BMW. Depreciation on these models could be steeper, and the brand's relative newness may still deter conservative buyers. It's also important to acknowledge that while EVs and PHEVs are greener at the tailpipe, their production—especially the mining and manufacturing of batteries—requires vast resources and generates significant emissions. EVs are not a 'get out of jail free' card for the planet, and those realities must be part of any honest conversation about sustainable motoring. That said, the world is changing rapidly. Regulatory pressures, fuel prices, and consumer awareness push the automotive industry into a new era. For many South Africans, plug-in hybrids like the Sealion 6 could offer the perfect transition: lower running costs, futureproof technology, and far fewer compromises than early EV adopters faced. While our first driving impressions of BYD's new models were limited to a few slow circles of an office park, everything on paper points to an exciting new chapter for South African motorists. BYD's Shark 6, Sealion 6, and Sealion 7 showcase remarkable engineering, a bold approach to value, and a serious challenge to the dominance of traditional ICE vehicles. Yes, there are risks in embracing a new brand. However, for buyers looking beyond badges, BYD's offerings could represent excellent alternatives and, in many cases, outright better choices than sticking with the old guard. We can't wait to spend real time behind the wheel of these new BYDs and bring you a full road-test verdict. If they drive even half as well as they look on paper, South Africa's motoring landscape could be in for a massive shake-up indeed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla rival stuns reviewers in head-to-head performance test: 'It's actually very, very close'
For the last several years, Tesla has dominated the electric vehicle market. But a Chinese competitor is in prime position to give the once massively popular company a run for its money. With Tesla CEO Elon Musk's polarizing political involvement, Tesla's reputation has taken a significant hit in 2025. The company has seen a jaw-dropping 20% decline in auto revenue in this year's first-quarter report, and part of the reason is likely that it has struggled to keep consumers loyal all across the globe. With a sizable window of opportunity, Chinese EV company BYD has surpassed Tesla in global vehicle sales. According to an Autovista24 report, BYD delivered 3.84 million battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2024. That's over 2 million more than Tesla's 1.78 million units sold in the same time span. However, experts have asked how the quality of BYD vehicles stacks up against Tesla's finest. Carwow, an online vehicle marketplace, put the BYD Sealion to the test against the Tesla Model Y, and the results might surprise you. In a side-by-side comparison video, Carwow ran the pair of mid-sized electric SUVs through the same tests. Under the hood, the BYD Sealion 7 offered a dual motor with 530 horsepower and a 91 kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Tesla Model Y also came equipped with a dual motor, but it offered just 507 horsepower and a significantly smaller 75 kWh battery. When it came to battery power and charge range, the Sealion offers 283-312 miles, according to the Carwow website. This is in comparison to the Model Y, which came with a real-world range of 278 miles, per the video, though the carmaker touts a higher number. In the end, Mat Watson of Carwow gave the nod to Tesla, which came in almost $3,000 cheaper than the Sealion (comparing base prices converted from the pound sterling figures from Carwow). While Watson was impressed with the Sealion, it was hard to ignore the overall strength of Tesla's performance. "It's actually very, very close. Tesla Model Y is much improved, the look is way better than before, the interior feels higher quality, it's got good efficiency, and it's pretty decent to drive, and that's why it wins this test," Watson said in the video. Compared to gas-powered cars, EVs offer plenty of benefits that any future car buyer might want to consider. EVs boast zero tailpipe emissions, lower operating costs, and the potential for various government incentives, depending on where you live and other factors. They often have lower maintenance needs than gas-powered cars as well. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Korea Herald
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Will BYD sway Hyundai, Kia lovers with budget EVs?
Korean consumers drawn by the Chinese EV giant's competitive pricing China's electric vehicle powerhouse BYD has landed in South Korea and is going all out to lure local consumers who are largely loyal to the country's homegrown brands -- Hyundai Motor Company and Kia -- with cars starting as low as 31.5 million won ($22,000). The EV giant's Korean launches -- the Atto 3 compact SUV, Seal sedan and Sealion mid-sized SUV -- are building hype among drivers with price tags cheaper than Korean automakers' electric fleets in the same segment. The Atto 3 is leading the charge, with preorders having begun on Jan. 16, while the Seal and Sealion are slated for release in the second half of this year. Though it remains to be seen whether BYD can establish an impressive foothold in a market that has historically questioned Chinese-made products, local consumers are stirred up by the budget-friendly offerings. Hype on online communities According to BYD Korea on Friday, the Atto 3 secured 1,000 preorders over the last nine days, 99 percent of which opted for the premium Atto 3 Plus trim. During purchase consultations, consumers expressed a preference for the high-end convenience amenities, driving safety assistance features, and the battery's safety. On the same day, 47 online communities with combined members of over 510,000 emerged in Naver -- one of Korea's largest search engines. Most of these forums, previously dedicated to other car brands, have shifted focus to BYD. Car enthusiasts enthused over purchasing battery-powered cars that were 10 million won cheaper than Hyundai's Kona EV and Kia's Niro EV and EV3. On Jan. 20, a Seoulite posted in the largest BYD community on Naver -- which has approximately 100,000 members -- about anticipation for the release of the BYD Dolphin hatchback in Korea, highlighting it as an even more affordable option than the Atto 3 for a second car. Several comments recommended the Atto 3, with some users indicating they had preordered or considered buying the SUV. On Blind, an anonymous online forum for verified employees, a post praising BYD cars hit over 12,000 views. On Jan. 17, the author wrote, 'I have cheered Hyundai and Kia and have driven their cars for a long time, but their domestic monopoly has been inconvenient for consumers. While they continue to raise prices, the quality remains the same. Regardless of whether I purchase a BYD car or not, it's good for consumers if rivals like BYD enter the market and spur competition among automakers.' Criticisms linger Not all shared the enthusiasm for the EV juggernaut's market penetration. An LG Display staff member stated on Blind, 'I will shun anyone who buys a BYD vehicle. How dare they purchase a Chinese EV, which poses a threat to our national champions, Hyundai and Kia and potentially to LG Energy Solution? How is this any different from betraying the country?' Stirring controversy, this post largely invited cynical comments on how buying a product just because it is made in Korea shows an outdated mindset. BYD's debut is no news, as Chinese goods have already penetrated everyday life here. In other discussions, an employee from FST, a semiconductor materials manufacturer, cast doubt on how well Chinese cars will be received in Korea, where people are often judged by the brand and price of their cars, while acknowledging that the country makes quality EVs. Easing anti-China sentiment Recognizing Korea's strong anti-China sentiment, BYD underscores its long-term approach to tap into local consumers by gradually increasing brand awareness. An employee from KLA-Tencor Korea, a Korean unit of the California-based fab equipment maker, who visited a BYD dealership for a purchase consultation, noted that the company is aware of the hostility towards China and is planning to invest time and resources to reduce it gradually. 'BYD's budget-friendly offerings target young Koreans who have tight budgets. The idea is that as they become more familiar with BYD, any anti-China sentiment will eventually fade over time,' stated the KLA-Tencor staff. At BYD's media event on Jan. 16, the Chinese EV giant also emphasized its focus on young, entry-level buyers with its low-cost models like the Atto 3, who are expected to have little prejudice against Chinese made vehicles.
