BYD Auto NZ, part of Ateco Automotive New Zealand, has appointed three sales and service dealerships – taking the total BYD representation to 15 – and is seeking expressions of interest from parts and service providers in Rotorua, Taupo, Blenheim and Timaru.

The latest three dealerships, to officially open on September 1, are Energy Motors in New Plymouth for the Taranaki region; The Car Company in Nelson for the top of the South Island; and Bayswater which will open its second dedicated BYD showroom in Napier.

Automarque BYD has also completed its new dedicated BYD showroom in Lower Hutt.

BYD, which came on the market a year ago, now has a 19 per cent share of NZ’s EV market, making its Atto3 model the second-biggest EV seller (1836 sales YTD) after the Tesla Model Y (1957 sales) and above the MG ZS (1150 sales).

BYD Auto NZ brand manager Warren Willmot said: “The further expansion of the BYD dealer network shows the confidence and reputation of the BYD brand, and its remarkable growth since August 2022.

BYD NZ Lower Hutt

“BYD NZ only partners with carefully selected dealers, who prioritise customer experience. To have such comprehensive coverage, showcases our commitment to bringing a BYD to all NZ vehicle segments and to all New Zealanders.”

Energy Motors, a subsidiary of The Colonial Motor Company, will be home to BYD in Taranaki. BYD will open in a facility at 24 Eliot Street in New Plymouth with sales, service and parts operations.

The Car Company will represent BYD in the upper South Island based at 150 Rutherford Street, Nelson with plans for a “spectacular” new showroom within the year. With many BYD customers already in Nelson this is a welcome addition to the South Island and to the BYD dealer network, the company said.

The Car Company managing director Shane Drummond said: “With 27 years of successful business in the Top of the South, we are super excited to help grow, promote and deliver this awesome brand locally.”

Bayswater BYD is set to open a new showroom in Napier, joining their current sister site in Hastings offering comprehensive sales and service coverage throughout the Hawkes Bay region.

The team at Automarque BYD have just completed their new BYD showroom at 25 Rutherford Street, Lower Hutt. Automarque group general manager Chris Douglas said: “Our new BYD showroom is an exciting addition to our Rutherford Street Lower Hutt dealership. 

“With sales and servicing onsite, we’re expecting a promising future with BYD by taking care of our loyal customers as New Zealand makes the transition to new-energy vehicles.”

BYD Auto NZ is currently taking expressions of interest for parts and service providers in Rotorua, Taupo, Blenheim and Timaru, further showcasing the dedication and commitment to NZ’s BYD customers.

The BYD Atto3 sells in NZ from $NZ58,990 for the standard range and tops out at $NZ71,490 for the ‘Tachyon’ special edition extended range model, plus on-road costs. 

NZ will soon receive BYD’s second model, the Dolphin, priced from $NZ49,990 plus on-road costs. Both BYD Atto3 and Dolphin attract NZ’s full clean-car rebate of $NZ7015.

All BYD models in NZ are covered by a six-year or 150,000km new vehicle warranty with six-year roadside assistance package, while the Blade Battery is covered by an eight-year or 160,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

BYD NZ Nelson concept

By Neil Dowling