Thailand is the next piece in the BYD global market puzzle, where is Malaysia?
BYD is a Chinese automaker primarily producing Electric Vehicles (EVs) and it is no secret that they plan to sell their cars globally soon, now CarNewsChina has reported that BYD is about to sell their cars in Thailand and continue their global expansion. Their full article is linked here.
BYD is not moving slowly either, they recently revealed their plans to sell cars in the Netherlands, introduced three EVs in Japan, are working on entering Australia and Singapore and are also slated to sell their cars in Germany and Sweden. This perfectly shows the level of commitment BYD shows to their plans for global expansion.
On 8 August 2022, BYD held a brand conference in Bangkok with Rever Automotive, an NEV brand dedicated to zero emission, where it was announced BYD will officially enter the Thai automotive market and Rever Automotive will be the official distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in Thailand and provide after-sales service.
Thailand’s progressive EV policies have led to as many as 30 automakers other than BYD worldwide bringing in their cars to the country. The Thailand Government also stated that according to their EV policies, they expect EVs to make up 30 percent of all vehicle production in the country by 2030.
BYD currently sells its models across 70 countries and over 400 cities and sells over 2.3million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and while BYD has yet to confirm which models will be introduced to Thailand but it is implied that the BYD Dolphin, BYD Atto 3 and BYD Seal may be the first three models offered.
Despite BYD officially entering Thailand, this is not the first time BYD has done business in the country.
Lui Xueliang, the General manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Automobile Sales Division said “As early as 2018, we launched the first batch of pure electric taxis in Thailand. We will work with the Thai government and partners to bring leading technology and high-quality products to the market.”
Ke Yubin, General Manager of BYD Thailand Branch added “After years of hard work, BYD’s business in Thailand has covered many fields such as electric forklifts and electric buses. With the support and expectation of Thai consumers, we will also cooperate with Thai partners … to meet consumers’ demand for electric vehicles and promote the development of Thailand’s new energy vehicle industry.”
Pratarnwong Phornprapha, President of Rever Automotive, said “Relying on environmentally friendly technologies and green ecosystems, RÊVER is committed to providing people with new energy solutions. This is a new starting point, new opportunities, and will create and inspire new possibilities.
With all this going on, when will it be Malaysia’s turn? Will BYD ever expand into Malaysia? I hope it happens soon as Malaysia could use a boost in the EV sector.
