BYD wants to overtake Toyota in Australia

Electric car maker BYD will open 30 new locations over the next 18 months as it declares an ultimate ambition to replace Toyota as the most popular brand in Australia.

BYD has sold nearly 10,000 cars in Australia in 2023 up to the end of October, with the vast majority of them its debut model, the Atto 3 midsize electric SUV.

That places it outside of the Top 20 best-selling car brands year to date, though BYD's product offensive is only recently underway with a plan to have five models in market by the end of 2024.

The Dolphin hatchback was released in November as the brand's second model, to be followed soon by the Model 3-rivalling Seal sedan. A dual-cab ute has also been confirmed for 2024 and the Seal U SUV is also expected to arrive down-under next year.

"The expansion plans have been under discussion for many months and confirmed on the back of the recent successful launches of the BYD Dolphin and Seal," said BYD distributor EV Direct in a statement.

"The expansion plans will underpin the lofty goals of BYD to be a top 5 brand in Australia with aspirations of reaching the number one spot."

BYD's bold plan could be aided by many of Australia's existing top-selling brands not being expected to enter a price war with Chinese newcomers.

BYD and EV Direct still have some catching up to do on the dealership network front: compatriot brand MG now has around 80 dealers in Australia.

As part of this expansion, BYD – through its Australian partner EV Direct –says it is also committed to holding additional stock of electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia so that it can quickly fulfil orders rather than lose buyers looking for faster delivery.

EV Direct CEO Luke Todd said this growth plan will also enhance the supply chain, ensuring repairs can be carried out as quickly as possible.

The company has previously confirmed it will continue to build out its line-up in the years ahead.

It plans to have five models in market by 2024, but unlike its efforts to date, not all will be pure electric. Although not specified in terms of models, BYD says it will introduce models using its DM-I Electric Platform Hybrids, combining petrol and electric power to compete with the likes of Toyota, Hyundai and Kia.

One of those is sure to be BYD's anticipated ute, which has been revealed in recent weeks through design patent images and our own detailed renderings. See the linked story below.

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Above: The BYD Seal U is expected to reach Australia soon. Click photo for more images.

BYD Mascot Service and Support Centre opened

Along with these expansion plans, BYD and EVDirect have also announced the opening of its BYD Service and Support Centre in Mascot, New South Wales.

Described as "the first of its kind for BYD in the Asia-Pacific region", the new facility is equipped specifically for electric vehicles, including a high-volume eco-friendly car wash, a specialised EV panel repair shop, and a dedicated BYD service and training space.

The company says this new centre will also serve as a hub for EV training forums, focusing on upskilling motor services trades across Australia in EV technology.