BYD lays foundation to launch six new models in Australia

Chinese EV start-up BYD could launch up to six new models in Australia, after filing half a dozen separate new trademark applications with the federal government.

As the fledgling electric car-maker announces 12 retail sites for its Australian dealership network this week, carsales can confirm that six trademark filings have been lodged with IP Australia by BYD in recent weeks.

Five of the filings are believed to be new models (Carpe, Dolphin, Fari, Halo and Seal), while first local customer deliveries for the existing Atto model have been pushed back to August or September – almost a year later than originally promised.

So far, BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, has differentiated its Australian vehicle nomenclature from its native Chinese market.

The BYD Atto 3 small electric SUV (known as the Yuan Plus in China) was officially priced at $44,381 plus on-road costs back in February. It is understood that model is still undergoing right-hand drive compliance following “supply chain and logistics disruptions”.

According to BYD’s Australian website, deliveries of the Atto 3 now stretch out to six months for vehicles ordered today. It is understood there are roughly 3000 Australian orders outstanding.

Despite the new trademark applications, it had been understood the existing Atto name would be extended across BYD’s Australian model range, which company executives previously promised would comprise six models by the end of 2023.

For example, the BYD Dolphin is a small electric hatch that was expected to be called the Atto 2 here, while the Seal is a mid-size electric sedan that’s slightly larger than a Tesla Model 3 and was expected to be badged as the Atto 4 locally.

BYD is also planning to produce its first electric sports car.

The delay in releasing its first model in Australia, where it plans to become a top-five auto brand within 18 months, comes as BYD outlines plans for its first 12 showroom locations across the country.

Covering every Australian state and territory except the NT, the showroom plans revealed this week are the result of a partnership between BYD’s Australian importer Nexport and national dealership group Eagers Automotive .

Four of the sites are located in NSW, two in Queensland, two in Victoria and there are solitary sites in the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

BYD has indicated its retail outlets – some of which are shared with existing Eagers-run showrooms for other marques – will also include vehicle servicing.

Separately, BYD vehicles purchased online via the EVDirect sales portal (set up by Nexport) will offer vehicle servicing through third-party franchise Mycar (formerly Kmart Tyre and Auto).

BYD’s 12 Australian dealer sites are as follows:
NSW: Cardiff, Castle Hill, Darlinghurst, Sutherland
Victoria: Brooklyn, Dandenong
Queensland: Indooroopilly, Robina
South Australia: Medindie
Western Australia: Perth
Tasmania: Hobart
ACT: Canberra

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