AUSTRALIA’S BYD Auto distributor EVDirect has opened its first BYD Service and Support Centre in Mascot, the start of an expansion program that includes 30 new retail outlets and more service locations within the next 18 months.

The Mascot centre was officially opened by BYD Auto general manager of Asia Pacific Automobile Sales, Mr Liu Xueliang. He was in Australia to formally announce BYD’s expansion plans in partnership with EVDirect.

The plans initially aim for a Top-five spot but ultimately, the company says, it is eyeing off number-one place in the Australian market.News

BYD said that the expansion plans had been under discussion “for many months and (were) confirmed on the back of the recent successful launches of the BYD Dolphin and Seal.”

“The expansion plans will underpin the lofty goals of BYD to be a Top-five brand in Australia with aspirations of reaching the number one spot,” it said.

The expansion includes the opening of an additional 30 new retail outlets and more service locations within the next 18 months. 

With this announcement comes the commitment from BYD to hold additional stock of EV’s in Australia. 

“BYD is demonstrating to be a leader of the EV transition in Australia and this further commitment positions BYD as a company that can supply the increasing demand for electric vehicles with Australia,” it said in a statement.

EVDirect CEO Luke Todd said: “We’ve seen the BYD brand grow substantially in the first 18 months of trade within Australia. Under these new arrangements with BYD, we will once again be setting a new benchmark of how the latest technologically advanced vehicles will be brought to Australia. 

Luke Todd

“Since launching in Australia EVDirect and BYD have demonstrated a streamlined supply chain which has resulted in unparalleled price points for their quality product range and strong supply capabilities. Under the new arrangements the supply chain will be even stronger.”

He said that the launch of BYD “has been the most successful new automotive brand launch in Australian history but we are just getting started.”

“Since day one we’ve been committed to bringing the best quality electric vehicles to Australia at affordable prices. 

“We have demonstrated this as we now have three high quality EV’s on the market all priced under $50,000. 

“Under the new arrangements our supply chain will be further enhanced allowing us to reach even more customers and introduce an even wider range of models.

“What we are seeing is customers still waiting for supply of vehicles with other brands and therefore it is our belief this announcement is great news for Australian consumers with BYD having five models delivered by 2024.”

The opening of the centre is timed to coincide with BYD’s plans to introduce the first of its DM-I Electric Platform Hybrids onto the Australian market.

Mr Todd said these hybrids are “ground-up EVs with dual-motor technology”.

“This allows for petrol driving for long journeys to eliminate range anxiety while still enjoying the benefits of driving an electric vehicle.”

BYD first launched its hybrid as well as a follow-up PHEV using the same technology in late 2020. It first exported hybrid cars in March 2022 to Columbia.

It plans for the hybrids to be available early 2024 in the Seal sedan model and possibly the upcoming dual-cab ute.

The new BYD Service and Support Centre is described as an innovation ‘epicenter’ which has a comprehensive range of services including a high-volume eco-friendly car wash, a specialised EV panel repair shop, and the first dedicated BYD service and training facility which is designed to cater the unique needs of EVs.

It will host regular EV training forums for upskilling of automotive trades across the country, providing an opportunity to learn about EV technology – from battery technology and charging solutions to safety protocols, warranty details, and specific service requirements for electric vehicles.