BYD will introduce 15 new electrified vehicle models in New Zealand over the next 18 months after this week renewing its sales and distribution contract with Ateco Group.

The joint announcement by Ateco Group and BYD was formalised in New Zealand this week during a visit by BYD Auto Asia-Pacific general manager, Xueliang Liu.

L to R: Warren Willmot, Xueliang Liu and You Wing

BYD, introduced to New Zealand in 2022, is the biggest volume supplier of EVs to New Zealand government agencies and one of the biggest sellers of EVs to private and fleet buyers with about 7000 BYD EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) sold through 15 showrooms in NZ over the past three years.

Mr Liu said: “The partnership between BYD and Ateco Group has been instrumental in bringing high-quality, innovative electric vehicles to New Zealand motorists. We are excited to continue this journey and further expand our presence in  the market.”  

As part of the renewed partnership, Ateco Group will launch 15 new BYD vehicles over the next 18 months, starting with the imminent arrival of the BYD Shark plug-in hybrid ute and the Sealion 7 electric SUV.  

The rollout of more than a dozen new models will launch the next phase of sales growth and underscores BYD’s commitment to providing New Zealand motorists with cutting-edge electric car technology across a range of vehicle categories and price points.  

BYD NZ general manager Warren Willmot said that the renewed partnership demonstrated the dedication to growing the BYD brand in New Zealand “and giving motorists more choice in the low-emission and zero-emission new car markets.”  

“We are committed to investing in the future of BYD in New Zealand, including the development of dedicated BYD showrooms and expanded service locations across the country,” he said.  

 BYD, Melbourne

“Our goal is to establish BYD as a brand for all Kiwis, mirroring the widespread appeal that Holden once enjoyed at the pinnacle of the brand, both in the retail and fleet sectors.”

BYD in Australia is distributed by EVDirect and sold through Eagers Automotive outlets in each state. There are 131 BYD sales and service centres in Australia.

Ateco Group is a major automotive importer and distributor in Australia and New Zealand. It is the largest independent automotive distributor in Australasia with six  automotive brands in New Zealand and four automotive brands in Australia.