BYD to Triple South Africa Dealerships Amid Growing EV Demandc

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD plans to nearly triple its dealership network in South Africa by 2026, aiming to strengthen its presence in Africa’s largest automotive market.

Credit: BYD

The company currently operates about 13 dealerships and expects to expand to 20 by the end of 2024, with a target of 30 to 35 locations next year, according to Steve Chang, General Manager of BYD Auto South Africa.

BYD launched in South Africa in 2023 with its ATTO 3 battery electric vehicle. It now offers six models, including the plug-in hybrid Shark pick-up, hybrid SEALION 6, and fully electric SEALION 7 SUV, which were introduced in April.

The expansion supports BYD’s dual-powertrain strategy and aims to increase brand visibility as South Africa gradually shifts toward electrified vehicles.

Sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars, rose to 15,611 units in 2024, up from 7,782 in 2023, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.

Despite the low overall market share of NEVs, BYD is positioning itself early to benefit from future growth.

Chang said the company aims to educate South African consumers and help them align with global EV trends.

Challenges remain, including limited charging infrastructure, unstable power supply, and high import duties on electric vehicles compared to fossil-fuelled cars.

Still, BYD views South Africa as a key market in the southern hemisphere and a strategic location for long-term development.

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• BYD plans to expand from 13 to 30–35 dealerships in South Africa by 2025

• The company launched in 2023 with the ATTO 3 electric vehicle

• New models include the Shark pick-up, SEALION 6 hybrid, and SEALION 7 electric SUV

Source: REUTERS