BYD Auto is making headlines across the automotive sector with its strategic new developments and sales milestones, particularly focused on Brazil and China. The renowned Chinese vehicle manufacturer has announced plans to introduce hybrid flex plug-in configurations of its popular hatchback, the Dolphin, and the SUV, Yuan Pro, explicitly for the Brazilian market. This initiative follows the recent approval from its parent company and was revealed at a convention attended by BYD’s CEO for the Americas and Europe, Stella Li. It is anticipated these models will be launched after the BYD plant located in Camaçari, Bahia, achieves higher autonomy, expected by 2026, providing Brazil with vehicles not previously produced in China.
Interestingly, the Dolphin and Yuan Pro hybrids will be built on the e-Platform 3.0, which is primarily dedicated to battery electric vehicles. This development requires substantial modifications to accommodate combustion engines, fuel tanks, and other components typical of hybrid vehicles. They are set to incorporate the 1.5 DM-i aspirated flex engine, similar to the one used in the Song Pro, producing 98 horsepower and torque of 12.4 kgfm, and they'll feature Blade batteries (LFP) of 8.3 kWh, enabling approximately 50 km of purely electric range.
These advancements place BYD well ahead of other established manufacturers such as Fiat, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Renault, and Toyota, who are gradually enhancing their hybrid portfolios. Notably, Stella Li emphasized during her discussion with Autoesporte the absence of interest from BYD to invest in simpler hybrid systems like Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) or Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), focusing instead on plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Meanwhile, the BYD Song Pro is enjoying significant attention this month due to aggressive promotional strategies. Selling over 2,500 units within the first half of December, it is on track to set new sales records. Currently available at promotional prices of R$ 189,800 for the GL version and R$ 199,800 for the GS version, buyers can benefit from discounts of R$ 20,000 before December 31, 2024.
This SUV features innovative technology, combining gasoline and electric power with total range capabilities reaching up to 1,100 km. The GL variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, with the more powerful GS variant clocking the same speed in just 7.9 seconds. Both models come equipped with impressive features including a rotating 12.8-inch multimedia system, six airbags, 360-degree camera monitoring, and tire pressure monitoring, with the GS version adding electric driver’s seat adjustments and wireless phone charging.
Another remarkable achievement for BYD this year is its Dolphin Plus model, which recently marked its place in history by receiving five stars from Latin NCAP. This makes it the first EV and the first Chinese model to attain this prestigious rating within Latin America and the Caribbean. The Latin NCAP’s rating is notable as it highlights improvements made concerning occupant protection and pedestrian safety standards, areas which have historically been under scrutiny for vehicles produced by Chinese manufacturers.
The Dolphin Plus excelled through rigorous testing including frontal, side impact tests, and evaluated the effectiveness of driver assistance systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It achieved impressive scores of 92.60% for adult occupants and 93.17% for child occupants, alongside strong pedestrian protection metrics.
Beyond the vehicle’s safety performance, it includes advanced technologies with standard features like Lane Support System (LSS) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD), underscoring BYD’s commitment to innovation and occupant safety.
With regards to sales performance, BYD has achieved significant milestones, celebrating the sale of its 70,000th vehicle last month. This remarkable achievement occurred during an event where the buyer, Rodrigo Ticianelli, received his key at the McLarty Maia dealership located in São Paulo's Zona Oeste. BYD reports a staggering 290% increase in sales from January to November, having registered 12,308 vehicles sold just last month. This places BYD among the top manufacturers within Brazil, where it is recognized as the leader of 100% electric vehicle sales.
Among BYD's leading models are the King, which emerged as the best-selling medium plug-in sedan with 3,689 units sold, and the Song series, with 24,143 units sold. The Dolphin Mini has also garnered significant interest as Brazil's top-selling electric vehicle, with 20,757 units registered, followed by the Dolphin with 11,372 sales.
BYD has also made substantial strides regionally; prominent sales include the Song Pro, which was recognized as the market’s best-selling vehicle even surpassing combustion models, achieving 298 sales alone. This growth clearly demonstrates BYD’s capability to capture interest from consumers seeking innovation coupled with sustainable transport.
Following this successful pace, BYD aims to remain associated with sustainability, with ambitions to place itself among Brazil’s top five automotive manufacturers. This reflects their commitment to investing at lengths within their product line and meeting consumer demands for advanced and eco-friendly technologies.
Lastly, BYD’s achievements do not stop just within Brazil; the BYD Seagull, known as Dolphin Mini, has emerged as the best-selling car model across China for November 2024, achieving 56,156 sales—a considerable milestone for the brand, showcasing its dominance within the increasing competitive Chinese market.
With rapid growth, strategic expansions, and continued emphasis on safety and technology, BYD is not merely participating but paving the way for the future of electric vehicles across Latin America and beyond, reinforcing their leadership role and setting benchmarks for others to follow.
