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BYD continues its massive expansion globally and rollout of new model after new model. It is quickly rising up the ranks when it comes to global auto sales, and I’m more convinced each day it will rise to #1. Tesla looks like a turtle these days compared to the fast-swimming and fast-running BYD.
The latest news from the EV giant from Shenzhen is that the BYD Song Pro has launched in Paraguay. Oh, sorry, another launch happened right after that — the BYD Shark was launched in Brazil.
Now, let me put in a quick disclaimer here. These are plugin hybrids, not pure electric vehicles. I am a bit split on plugin hybrids still, even if they offer more electric range than the old plugin hybrids of a decade ago. I like them as a kind of stepping stone or bike with training wheels for people who are really just a little too cautious and nervous about going fully electric. Or I don’t even have a problem with them as a solution for people who want to use electric normally but want seamless long-distance travel with a gas tank for when they occasionally (or rarely) go on long-distance trips. However, my concern is with plugin hybrids getting sold to people who won’t plug in for some reason — who don’t have home charging or workplace charging, for example. However, optimistically, I’ll believe that most plugin hybrids, especially opening up markets like these in South America, will be driven on electricity.
BYD Shark Launches in Brazil
Back to the news, here’s what BYD had to say about the launch of the Shark in Brazil: “BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles and power batteries, made a significant splash in Brazil on October 19th with the official launch of the BYD SHARK, the first hybrid pickup to the market. The highly anticipated event in Goiânia drew more than 1000 esteemed guests, underscoring the launch’s importance. This not only expands the brand’s reach into a new pickup truck market in Brazil but also extends its influence from urban environments to challenging off-road conditions.
“At the heart of the BYD SHARK lies the DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, a groundbreaking technology that represents a significant leap forward, expertly merging robust off-road capabilities and safety features while maintaining remarkable energy efficiency. Emphasizing safety alongside outstanding performance, the BYD SHARK incorporates the Blade Battery into a high-strength steel chassis through CTC (Cell to Chassis) technology, ensuring top-tier protection.
“By combining the EHS electric hybrid system with a 1.5L turbo engine, it achieves a combined power of 437 horsepower with a combined torque of 65 KGf.m, thus allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, gaining the title of most powerful pickup truck in the country.”
Well, a bit more was said about it, but those are the important and notable points. BYD also noted that it has sold 60,000 electrified vehicles in Brazil so far this year.
BYD Song Pro Launches in Paraguay
On to Paraguay. For whatever reason, the Shark was not the vehicle of choice for launching in Paraguay. That was the Song Pro. Here’s more on that:
“Equipped with BYD’s Super Hybrid DM-i technology, the new vehicle is more competitively priced and is set to become the first plug-in hybrid SUV for many Paraguayan households. Nearly 100 media representatives and prospective customers attended the launch event, where the vehicle’s impressive long-range capabilities were demonstrated, and customers enjoyed an immersive experience with the car’s tech features, earning the model widespread praise. […]
“The BYD SONG PRO is designed based on BYD’s Dragon Face aesthetics, with a bold, refined front end and sleek, dynamic body lines that give it a sportier and more stylish appearance. The dual-tone, low-saturation interior enhances the luxurious feel. As a disruptor in the traditional SUV market, the BYD SONG PRO is equipped with BYD’s Super Hybrid DM-i system, offering five revolutionary driving experiences: speed, economy, quietness, smoothness, and eco-friendliness. The high-end version provides 100 km (NEDC) of pure electric range and a total combined range of 1,030 km (NEDC), with fuel consumption of just 4.5L per 100 km. The vehicle also boasts outstanding performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds.”
Plugin vehicles are entering South America quickly. The market is tiny for them still, but is growing fast and I’m convinced will grow much faster in the coming few years. Stay tuned!
Now, let me end with one gripe or even somewhat shocking note: BYD’s global/US site has been having technical issues and is not loading most of the images that are supposed to be in these news releases. The company is such a tech leader, and is full of R&D engineers, but has a shoddy website. How is this the case? Whoever’s in charge, it’s time for some improvements on that end. Also, announcements are rather infrequent. I’m sure the company has far more news than it’s sharing. Hire another PR person or 10 and keep us updated!
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