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CHINA’S BYD factory has taken over the import and distribution of its vehicles in Australia while Eagers Automotive retains the national retail network under a joint venture with a new five-year dealer agreement with a further five-year option.

The move to a factory-owned distribution network – rumoured for some months – also means the former national distributor for BYD, EVDirect, transfers its exclusive distribution agreement to the BYD factory. 

EVDirect will maintain its joint-venture arrangement with Eagers, holding a 20 per cent share to Eagers’ 80 per cent, under the business name EVDealer Group (EVDG).

The transfer to BYD comes a year earlier than the partners originally agreed and is expected now to be completed in July this year. 

EVDirect, which introduced BYD to the Australian market in 2022, has since delivered more than 50,000 vehicles and expanded the line-up from a single model to six. 

In a statement, EVDirect said: “With demand surging and a pipeline of more models slated for release, BYD will assume direct control of the import and distribution process while EVDirect transitions to  supporting its retail vision through its JV partnership with Eagers Automotive.” 

Eagers said it had entered into an agreement with BYD to “extend its long-term retail representation for the brand in Australia.”

It provides for a five-year dealer agreement for the Eagers-EVDirect joint venture, with a further five-year option period, directly with BYD Australia Pty Ltd, “the incoming new national importer and distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in Australia.”

“The new dealer agreement will continue to operate through the existing retail joint venture entity, EVDealer Group Pty Ltd, in which Eagers has an 80 per cent ownership interest, with the remaining 20 per cent held by EVDirect.com Pty Ltd, the outgoing distributor for BYD vehicles in Australia.”

Luke Todd

The new dealer agreement trains the existing retail sales and after-sales service centre network across Australia.

Eagers said that the new JV will be allowed to increase its BYD retail network “to support BYD’s ambitions for significant volume growth.”

EVDirect founder and incoming executive chairman of EVDG, Luke Todd, said: “Now is the time to further unlock BYD’s immense potential for Australian drivers.

“Phase One proved the BYD brand would thrive here; Phase Two will make new-energy vehicle ownership easier and more accessible than ever. “As the inaugural importer, EVDirect is extremely proud of the role it has played in the launch of BYD into the Australian market, overseeing what has been one of the most successful new car brand launches in Australian history. 

“As a team we are extremely proud of what’s been achieved and even more excited by the future as our team repositions into a new role that will help catapult the BYD brand further, right across Australia.” 

Mr Todd said the EVDG joint venture will continue to expand its existing retail network as BYD’s largest sales and service channel. He said customers can expect: 

  • Expanded retail footprint incorporating new and innovative retail formats for a seamless showroom and service experience. 
  • Shorter wait times and greater stock availability, backed by BYD’s unparalleled right-hand-drive supply  chain. 
  • Enhanced National after-sales support from Australia’s most experienced automotive retailer. 

The new CEO of EVDG, David Smitherman, said: “EVDG is proud to represent BYD in Australia.”

David Smitherman

“We are investing heavily in our people, our systems and expanding our dealer network to support BYD’s growth ambitions.

“The JV partners will combine the best of both companies to  provide an industry leading sales and aftersales experience for BYD customers.”

By Neil Dowling

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