BYD Sime Motors has launched the Atto 3 Ultra, featuring upgraded specifications and a significantly more affordable price tag.
This latest version is priced at RM123,800, which equates to a reduction of RM26,000 compared to the 2024 model.
Furthermore, BYD Sime Motors is offering an exclusive package for the first 1,000 customers of the Atto 3 Ultra. This package includes:
RM5,000 cash rebate
8-year service package (worth RM4,888)
7 kW wall charger (worth RM3,699)
V2L adapter (worth RM988)
Type 2 cable (worth RM1,796)
Unlimited internet for two years
The Atto 3 Ultra comes with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a six-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, and an eight-year/150,000 km drive unit warranty.
So, what’s new with the Atto 3 Ultra? In terms of exterior design, although it appears similar to the existing model, the Atto 3 Ultra features a new rim design. There are three colours to choose from: Ski White, Harbour Grey, and Cosmos Black.
The interior boasts all-black upholstery further accentuated by contrasting yellow stitching, replacing the previous red accents.
In terms of features, the Atto 3 Ultra introduces two new elements: a digital key (NFC) that allows the driver to unlock the doors and start the vehicle using a smartphone, and cooling features for the front seats.
There have been no changes to the powertrain. As before, the Atto 3 Ultra has a single electric motor on the front axle producing 204 PS (150 kW) and 310 Nm, along with a 60.48 kWh battery pack that offers a driving range of up to 480 km (NEDC).
BYD has introduced a facelifted version of the Atto 3 in China, with prices starting from 115,800 yuan (RM70,830), which is 1,000 yuan (RM610) less than the 2024 model.
Known as the Yuan Plus in its home country, this electric crossover showcases a fresher appearance with a new fascia and several upgraded features.
The dimensions of the Atto 3 remain unchanged but the facelifted model features larger trapezoidal air intakes, smoked headlights, black D-pillars, and a new roof spoiler with dual brake lights.
The interior presents a more relaxed and mature atmosphere compared to before, with two rather dull colour choices – beige and grey. The ‘guitar strings’ on the door cards are still there, but they now come in black.
Additionally, the Atto 3 now features a new column gear shifter, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 12-inch head-up display, a driver monitoring camera on the A-pillar, as well as a refrigerator.
Along with a new steering wheel, the centre console of the Atto 3 has been redesigned to make room for two cup holders, several physical buttons, and a 50 W wireless charger.
The safety features and driver assistance systems of the Atto 3 have been enhanced through the use of the smart driving system God’s Eye C. It employs three cameras located at the bottom of the windscreen to enable the high-speed Navigation On Autopilot (NOA) function.
According to CarNewsChina, the system will be updated to include NOA functionality for urban driving in the future.
There are no changes to the powertrain, meaning the Atto 3 retains a single electric motor on the front axle that produces 204 PS (150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque.
In China, the LFP battery pack is available in a 49.9 kWh version with a range of 430 km, and a 60.5 kWh version that offers a range of up to 510 km. Do note that these figures are based on the rather unrealistic CLTC testing cycle.
The 2025 model year BYD Atto 3 has been spotted undergoing road tests in China, where it is sold as the Yuan Plus.
According to CarNewsChina, the new Atto 3 will feature an updated exterior and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It is expected to be launched in the country around the second quarter of this year.
This is not the first time the world has seen the 2025 Atto 3 – the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China had previously revealed the full design of the electric SUV, which is why only a small portion of the car remains covered in camouflage.
As can be seen, the Atto 3 now boasts a fresher front fascia thanks to a sportier bumper design and larger trapezoidal air intakes.
The side profile showcases new chrome trim on the C-pillars and the lower body. At the rear, the bumper has been given a redesign to keep it fresh but what stands out more is the new roof spoiler that incorporates a pair of vertical brake lights.
For 2025, the Atto 3 will be available in a new shade of beige while existing colour options—including white, black, purple, blue, green, and grey—are expected to be retained.
Additionally, the new Atto 3 appears to have a new camera on the front bumper, indicating that its ADAS has been enhanced.
There are no changes to the powertrain. In Malaysia, the Atto 3 is available in a single Extended Range variant equipped with a front axle electric motor producing 204 PS/310 Nm, and a Blade LFP battery with a capacity of 60.48 kWh, offering a range of up to 480 km (NEDC).
The BYD Seal Premium Extended Range has made history by becoming the first EV to win the Overall Car of the Year award at the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards 2024 (MCOTY).
In addition to this top accolade, the Seal Premium Extended Range also triumphed in the Sedan Below RM200,000 and xEV (RM150,000-RM300,000) categories, while the Seal Performance AWD won the Sedan (RM200,000-RM300,000) category.
Moreover, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, BYD Sime Motors, emerged as the biggest winner of the night by sweeping a total of four awards.
Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia for Sime Motors, emphasised that the recognition reflects the continued leadership of Sime Motors in the EV market.
“These accolades reflect the trust in BYD’s offerings, supported by Sime Motors’ extensive network, exceptional service centres and outstanding after sales service across the nation,” he said.
The MCOTY is an esteemed recognition that highlights excellence in the automotive sector, celebrating achievements in innovation, sustainability and excellence.
The criteria for the awards are meticulous, evaluating vehicles across various factors such as design, safety, performance, energy efficiency and value for money. The judging panel comprised automotive industry professionals, experts and media representatives, ensuring a transparent and comprehensive evaluation process.
BYD concluded 2024 on a high note, achieving a remarkable milestone by selling over 4 million vehicles within a single year for the first time.
According to the company, a total of 514,809 new energy vehicles (NEVs) were sold in December alone, bringing the total sales for 2024 to 4,272,145 units—a 41.3% increase compared to the 3 million units recorded in 2023.
Of this total, 1,764,992 units were passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs), 2,485,378 units were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), while the remaining 21,775 units were commercial vehicles.
Compared to the performance in 2023, BEV sales for 2024 increased by 12% from 1.6 million units, while PHEV sales rose by a whopping 72.8% from 1.4 million units. BEVs accounted for 41.5% of BYD’s total sales last year, while PHEVs made up 58.5%.
BYD’s export market also experienced encouraging growth, with 57,154 units sold in December, marking a 58% increase compared to the same month last year. This brought the total number of vehicles exported for 2024 to 417,204 units, a 71.9% rise compared to 2023.
In addition to manufacturing vehicles, BYD is also the second-largest battery supplier in China. Among its notable clients are big names such as Tesla, Toyota, and Nio.
Overall, the company installed 23.5 GWh of battery capacity in December (32% higher than in 2023) or a total of 194.7 GWh throughout 2024 (an increase of 29% compared to 2023). This includes batteries installed in electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary energy storage units.
Sime Motors is continuously expanding the BYD brand network in the country as part of its efforts to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs).
According to the company, BYD currently operates 21 service centres nationwide, focusing on customer accessibility spanning key regions such as Penang, Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, East Coast, Sarawak and Sabah.
17 out of the 21 BYD service centres in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia feature body and paint (B&P) centres that offer body repair services using state-of-the-art equipment. Trained technicians ensure every repair meets original manufacturer standards.
Customers’ vehicles are serviced by a team of BYD certified high-voltage (HV) technicians, who undergo ongoing multi-level training programmes to ensure 100% certification.
In addition to specialised tools for EV maintenance, all BYD service centres provide premium lounge areas and workspaces for customers to relax or work while waiting for their vehicles to be serviced.
BYD also operates a digitally managed centralised Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) that ensures timely and sufficient parts delivery to service centres and dealers nationwide. With optimised inventory and streamlined distribution systems, BYD guarantees minimal downtime for vehicle repairs.
Moreover, every new vehicle undergoes rigorous quality assurance checks at the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) centre to ensure it is in top condition before being handed over to the customer.
The PDI facility is equipped with a three-level mechanical parking system, optimising space efficiency while securely accommodating vehicles during the inspection and preparation process.
Each BYD vehicle comes with a six-year/150,000 km warranty for the vehicle, an eight-year/160,000 km warranty for the battery (with the battery to be replaced if its health falls below 70%), and an eight-year/150,000 km warranty for the drive unit.
For any queries or feedback, customers can contact the BYD Customer Care Line at 1300-38-1888, available Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. A 24/7 roadside assistance service is also provided throughout Malaysia.
Additionally, BYD offers service packages available in three-, six- and eight-year options, along with Standard and Plus options, to accommodate both customer’s high and low usage patterns. These packages can be purchased separately or bundled with car loans for added convenience.
Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, has recently opened the first BYD 3S centre in East Malaysia, located in Kota Kinabalu.
The facility, managed by Regas EV Sabah, is located at Lot 33, Sedco Industrial Estate, Jalan Lintas, 88450 Kota Kinabalu.
According to Sime Motors, its opening underscores BYD’s steadfast growth across Malaysia and its commitment to delivering exceptional customer service in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market in East Malaysia.
The new facility spans 1,288 square metres and offers a full spectrum of services including sales consultations, vehicle test drives and aftersales support.
Additionally, BYD Kota Kinabalu is one of the first EV outlets in Sabah equipped with two DC Super Charger units, featuring four charging guns that provide power of up to 180 kW.
Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Retail and Distribution for Southeast Asia at Sime Motors, expressed pride in collaborating with Regas EV Sabah to open BYD Kota Kinabalu, enhancing the experience in Eastern Malaysia.
“This initiative further solidifies our position as the No.1 EV brand in Malaysia and underscores our commitment to providing the best customer experience while striving to meet the evolving needs of the community in Sabah,” he said.
Datuk Matthew Tan, Managing Director of Regas EV Sabah, added, “This 3S Centre is not just a facility—it’s a commitment to Sabah’s journey towards electric mobility and forward-thinking low carbon solutions, powered by BYD’s world-class technology.”
For the first time in history, Chinese automotive company BYD has successfully sold more vehicles than Ford.
During the third quarter (July-September), BYD sold 1.13 million vehicles, marking a 38 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
In comparison, Ford sold fewer than 40,000 vehicles during the same period, causing the manufacturer to drop one rank, becoming the seventh largest in the world.
However, for the period from January to September, Ford is still ahead of BYD with total sales of 3.3 million units, slightly more than BYD’s 3.25 million units.
It is not impossible that by the end of the year, BYD’s sales could reach 4 million, surpassing Ford’s total sales for the year 2024.
In addition to BYD, several Chinese automotive companies have also reported sales increases that could be concerning for Japanese, European, and American manufacturers.
For example, during Q3, Geely experienced a sales increase of 14 percent, reaching 820,000 vehicles, surpassing Nissan and trailing behind Honda at ninth place.
China’s third-largest manufacturer, Chery, recorded a 27 percent sales increase to 550,000 units, placing it in twelfth position.
Toyota’s sales, however, decreased by 4 percent to 2.73 million units, although the Japanese giant still leads the chart ahead of the VW Group, which saw a 7 percent decline to 2.17 million vehicles.
While Hyundai Motor Group remains comfortably in third place, it also reported a 3 percent sales decline to 1.77 million units.
In fifth place, Stellantis seems to need to work harder as the sales difference with BYD is only around 10,000 units.
The market for electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia has been further enlivened by the arrival of the latest competitor, the Dongfeng Box. It is officially distributed by Central Auto Distributors Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PEKEMA.
As you can see, the Box is a compact hatchback with a fresh design aimed at attracting younger consumers. With a starting price of RM100,700, it is a close competitor to the BYD Dolphin, making it one of the most affordable EVs in the country.
In this article, we will compare the Box and the Dolphin to help you make the best choice:
Size
The Box measures 4,020 mm in length, making it 270 mm shorter than the Dolphin. However, it is 40 mm wider than the Dolphin’s 1,810 mm, while both models share the same height of 1,570 mm.
Additionally, the Dolphin’s longer body gives it an advantage in wheelbase measurement, with a size of 2,700 mm compared to the Box’s 2,650 mm.
Another advantage of the Dolphin is its larger boot space of 345 litres, which is 19 litres more than the boot space of the Box.
Features
On the exterior, the Box comes equipped with front and rear LED lights, as well as 17-inch alloys for both variants, the E2 and E3. The Dolphin also features automatic LED lights with daytime running lights (DRL), heated side mirrors, and 16-inch wheels for the Dynamic Standard Range variant, moving up to 17 inches for the Premium Extended Range.
Inside, there are several similarities between the Box and the Dolphin, with both models featuring synthetic leather upholstery, a five-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, six speakers, and a wireless charger (50W for the Box).
However, the Dolphin appears to have the upper hand as it is also equipped with electric adjustment for the front seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Safety
For the Box, only the E3 variant is equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), while the Dolphin comes with driver assistance systems as standard. Both models are fitted with a 360-degree camera.
However, in terms of passive safety systems, the Box is somewhat disappointing as it only has two airbags, whereas the Dolphin has six.
Performance, Range & Charging
The Box is powered by a single electric motor at the front axle producing 95 PS and 160 Nm, allowing it to reach a top speed of 140 km/h.
In comparison, the Dolphin offers 95 PS and 180 Nm for the Dynamic Standard Range variant and 204 PS and 310 Nm for the Premium Extended Range.
How far can both EVs travel? The Box E2, equipped with a 31.45 kWh battery, offers a range of 330 km, while the Box E3 with a 42.3 kWh battery offers a range of 430 km. These figures are based on the CLTC cycle.
The Box supports AC charging (3.3 kW for the E2, 6.6 kW for the E3) as well as DC fast charging, capable of restoring the battery power from 30-80% in 30 minutes.
For the Dolphin, the Dynamic Standard Range variant comes with a 44.92 kWh LFP battery offering a range of 340 km. The Premium Extended Range variant has a larger 60.48 kWh battery, allowing it to travel up to 427 km. These figures are based on the more realistic WLTP cycle.
This model supports AC charging at 7 kW, while DC charging capacity varies between the two variants, with 60 kW for the Dynamic Standard Range and 80 kW for the Premium Extended Range, allowing 30-80% charging in under 30 minutes.
Price
If you are looking for an affordable EV as an entry point into the world of electric vehicles, both the Box and the Dolphin are among the most suitable candidates, but which one is more budget-friendly?
The Box is priced (OTR excluding insurance) starting from RM100,700 for the E2 and RM113,700 for the E3. It comes with a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/150,000 km battery warranty.
Meanwhile, the Dolphin starts at RM100,530 for the Dynamic Standard Range and RM125,530 for the Premium Extended Range.
Sime Darby Motors offers a six-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty, and an eight-year/150,000 km warranty for the drive unit.
BYD recently marked a historic moment in its 30th-anniversary celebration with the roll-off of its 10-millionth new energy vehicle (NEV) at its Xiaomo plant in Shenzhen.
BYD said the achievement underscores its unwavering commitment to sustainable transportation and reinforces its position as a global leader in the automotive industry. The company claimed that it is the world’s first automaker to reach the figure.
It took BYD 15 years to produce its first five million NEVs and achieved the next five million in just 15 months, demonstrating the company’s strategic focus on new energy vehicles and its continuous technological advancement.
The 10 millionth vehicle is a Denza Z9 owned by Feng Ji, the founder and CEO of Game Science, the company behind the video game Black Myth: Wukong.
The Z9 is offered in both shooting brake (referred to as GT) and sedan versions, with a choice of PHEV or EV powertrains. The PHEV version combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with three electric motors to produce 870 PS.
The EV version, on the other hand, boasts a total system output of 965 PS supplied by three electric motors, alongside a 100 kWh battery that provides an approximate driving range of 630 km.
Regarding future plans, BYD stated that it will invest 100 billion yuan (£12 billion) in the development of smart technology that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into automotive systems.
Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD in Malaysia, has launched another new electric vehicle, the 2025 BYD Sealion 7.
Available in two main variants, the BYD Sealion 7 is priced starting from RM183,800 for the Premium variant and from RM199,800 for the Performance variant.
The BYD Sealion 7 Premium features a single rear-wheel drive (RWD) electric motor with an output of 308 hp and 380 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Performance variant is equipped with a dual all-wheel drive (AWD) electric motor that delivers 523 hp and 690 Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.5 seconds.
Both variants are equipped with an 82.56 kWh battery pack. The driving range for the Premium variant is up to 567 km, while the Performance variant has a range of up to 542 km.
The Sealion 7 supports AC charging at 11 kW and fast DC charging up to 150 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 32 minutes.
Standard features for the Sealion 7 include 19-inch alloy wheels, while the AWD version comes with 20-inch wheels and red brake calipers.
The cabin is well-equipped with a 10.25-inch digital cluster screen, a 15.6-inch central display with adjustable orientation, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, leather-wrapped seats, dual-zone climate control, and a PM2.5 air filtration system.
In addition, the Sealion 7 supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 50W wireless charging system for smart devices, and features a Dynaudio sound system with 12 speakers.
Both variants come standard with safety features including nine airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, high beam assist, and driver attention warnings.
In terms of practicality, the Sealion 7 offers a cargo space of 500 liters, which expands to 1,769 liters with the rear seats folded down. Additionally, it includes a 58-liter front trunk (frunk).
There are four color options available: Cosmos Black, Aurora White, Atlantis Grey, and Shark Grey.
BYD Malaysia is offering an early booking package (valid until November 17), allowing customers to receive a complimentary home charger and RM800 charging credit, provided they register their vehicle by December 31, 2024.
Sime Darby Motors has launched the fourth BYD electric vehicle for the Malaysian market – the all-new BYD M6.
The M6, which is an MPV, is offered in a seven-seat configuration with two variants to choose from, namely Standard and Extended.
Both variants are equipped with a single electric motor driving the front wheels.
The Standard variant has a total power output of 161 hp and 310 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds.
On the other hand, the Extended variant, with 201 hp and the same amount of torque, is capable of completing the 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8.6 seconds.
In addition to output, the battery capacities between the two variants also differ.
The M6 Standard comes with a Blade LFP battery with a capacity of 55.4 kWh, offering a range of 420 km based on the NEDC cycle.
The Extended variant is equipped with a larger battery with a capacity of 71.8 kWh, providing a driving range of 530 km on a full charge.
The maximum fast charging rates also vary between the variants, with 89 kW for the Standard and 115 kW for the Extended. The latter requires 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Despite the difference in battery capacity, the Vehicle-to-Load feature is included as standard across the range.
In terms of equipment, the M6 comes with ‘floating’ LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a karaoke system, and an NFC digital key.
A panoramic roof, 15W wireless charger, and electric tailgate are also included.
On the safety front, the M6 comes standard with six airbags, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Isofix, ABS, an Electric Parking Brake, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and a 360-degree View Monitor.
The Extended variant gains ADAS technology, which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Front and Rear Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Departure Assist.
Pricing starts from RM109,800 for the M6 Standard and RM123,800 for the M6 Extended.
The electric MPV is offered with a warranty of six years/150,000 km for the vehicle, eight years/160,000 km for the battery, and eight years/150,000 km for the drive unit.
Sime Darby Motors (SDM) has announced that it has sold over 10,000 BYD vehicles nationwide since being appointed the official distributor of the brand in September 2022.
To celebrate this achievement, Sime Darby Motors recently organised the ‘BYD Dream Drive Melaka 2024’ convoy, which was joined by over 60 BYD vehicles.
According to the company, Melaka was chosen to coincide with this year’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, making it an apt destination given its historical connections with China dating back to the 15th century.
Jeffrey Gan, the Managing Director of Southeast Asia at Sime Darby Motors, stated the milestone reflected the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the region and Sime Darby’s strong position as a leader in EV.
“Our commitment to providing the best experience and services through this strategic partnership with BYD has contributed to this success,” he added.
Eagle Zhao, the Managing Director of BYD Malaysia, added, “This milestone reflects the trust and support of our customers who embrace the future of mobility with BYD. It’s been an incredible journey with Sime Darby Motors and we look forward to elevating sustainable driving experiences in Malaysia.”
BYD Malaysia said it has set its sights on reaching the next 10,000 cars milestone in a shorter timeframe.
Meanwhile, Sime Darby Motors plans to expand the BYD network in Malaysia to 30 showrooms by the end of this year. Currently, there are 26 BYD showrooms nationwide. This consists of 19 dealer partners, with 16 3S centres and 10 1S centres.
BYD is set to further expand its electric vehicle lineup in Malaysia with a new MPV called the M6.
In a recent media Q&A session in Changsha, China, Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, confirmed that the fully-electric MPV will enter the Malaysian market this year.
However, the exact launch date is still unknown, along with the specifications and variants that will be offered.
It is expected that the specifications for the Malaysian market will not differ significantly from those available in Indonesia and Thailand.
In Indonesia, the M6 can be hand in six- or seven-seat configurations, while in Thailand, it is available only as a six-seater.
Both markets offer two output variants. The base variant, powered by a front axle electric motor, has 163 PS and 310 Nm of torque, whereas the more powerful variant (known as Superior in Indonesia and Extended in Thailand) gets 204 PS and 310 Nm from the same single-motor setup.
As with other BYD EVs, juice for the motor is supplied by an LFP battery, with a capacity of 55.4 kWh for the base variant and 71.8 kWh for the Superior/Extended variants. This equals to an NEDC range of up to 420 km for the former and 530 km for the latter.
The base M6 supports 85-kW DC fast charging, while the Superior/Extended can accommodate up to 115 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes. Meanwhile, AC charging is limited to 7 kW for both variants.
The M6 can be considered a replacement for the e6, which was supposed to launch in Malaysia after the Atto 3. Compared to the e6, its exterior design aligns more closely with recent BYD models, featuring a silver grille that connects to the projector LED headlights.
On the side, chrome trim is generously applied on the window frames and side skirts, while the rear boasts a full-width light strip accompanied by a chrome strip. Unlike the Atto 3, the M6 ditches the “Build Your Dream” wording with the more understated “BYD” badge.
While the interior is evidently more conventional compared to the Atto 3 or Dolphin, the M6 still offers a comprehensive equipment list, which includes a 12.8-inch rotating screen, dual wireless charging, keyless entry, a panoramic glass roof, and automatic air conditioning, to name a few.
In terms of safety, the M6 comes equipped with six airbags and plenty of ADAS features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring.
As for pricing, the M6 is sold for between 379 million to 429 million rupiah (approximately RM102,968 to RM116,481) in Indonesia, while in Thailand, it starts from 829,900 baht to 929,900 baht (around RM106,014 to RM118,788).
Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, has confirmed in a statement that the BYD models sold in the country are not involved in the recall campaign announced by BYD in China.
According to Sime Darby Motors, the recall is limited exclusively to vehicles sold in the Chinese market.
In the recall announcement, BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. and BYD Automobile Co., Ltd. stated that they are recalling “certain domestically produced Dolphin and Yuan Plus (also known as the Atto 3) electric vehicles.”
“The batches and models recalled within the China mainland region do not pertain to markets outside of the China mainland region,” the company said.
On September 30, CarNewsChina reported that BYD had recalled a total of 96,714 units of the Dolphin and Yuan Plus due to a potential fire risk.
Of this total, 87,762 units were manufactured between February 4, 2023, and December 26, 2023, while the remaining 8,952 units were produced between November 2, 2022, and June 19, 2023.
According to the China-based portal, there was a defect in the manufacturing process of the electric power steering column assembly (CEPS) controller.
When the equipment tool cover is closed, it may interfere with the capacitors on the controller circuit board, leading to micro-cracks in the capacitors.
These cracks could enlarge when the vehicle is in use, potentially resulting in a short circuit and an increased risk of fire.
To eliminate safety risks, BYD dealer representatives will install insulating pads on the control components free of charge.
In addition to the Denza D9 and M6, BYD now has another offering that looks capable of shaking things up in the MPV segment.
Known as the BYD Xia, it comes as the flagship model in the automaker’s Dynasty series. It is reportedly named after the oldest dynasty in Chinese history, which began ruling in 2070 BC.
Measuring 5,145 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,805 mm in height, the Xia is 105 mm shorter, 10 mm wider, and 115 mm lower than the D9. Its wheelbase is 3,045 mm, which is 65 mm shorter than that of the D9.
Without the influence of Mercedes-Benz as seen on the D9, the exterior design of the Xia is evidently not as opulent. This makes sense, as BYD targets the mass market, while Denza is BYD’s very own sub-brand specialising in luxury vehicles.
Nevertheless, the Xia is still visually appealing thanks to the trademark ‘Dragon Face’ design element and a large grille at the front, along with a vertical tail light that runs across the back.
The interior has yet to be revealed, but according to CarNewsChina, the Xia will offer seven seats in a 2+2+3 configuration, alongside features such as a large touchscreen and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
The Xia is equipped with a fifth-generation DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrain, which reportedly combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 200 hp and an electric motor with 268 hp.
The powertrain is said to offer an electric driving range of up to 200 km, suggesting it may be equipped with a high-capacity Blade battery.
Additionally, the Xia utilises an adjustable suspension system with an electromagnetic DiSus-C system, similar to that used in the Tang and Han models. Other bells and whistles include the DiPilot ADAS and the DiLink 150 cockpit system.
The Xia is set to enter the Chinese market this year, with a starting price of 300,000 yuan (RM182,756). This makes it more affordable than the D9, which is priced between 339,800 yuan and 469,800 yuan (RM207,010–RM286,210).
The electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia is heating up with the presence of various attractive models from all over the world.
The two EV brands currently hotly discussed are Tesla and BYD. The former made its mark in the local market with the launch of the facelifted Model 3 last October.
Meanwhile, the latter has introduced three EVs so far, with Seal being the latest offering to compete directly with the popular Model 3.
During a recent test drive, this writer found that the Seal has the right formula to go toe to toe with its closest rivals, but like most other cars, it still has some weaknesses.
Here are five things we don’t like about the Seal:
Two badges is one too many
For this writer, the Seal is one of the best looking cars, if not the best looking, in its segment. It has a sleek, sporty four-door sedan shape, which is further highlighted by strong character lines, 19-inch wheels, and a rear diffuser, to name a few.
However, BYD unnecessarily placed two ‘BYD’ badges at the rear – one in the centre and another in the bottom corner of the tailgate. The automaker also put a ‘3.8s’ badge under the ‘BYD Seal’ lettering to let the tailgaters know how fast this car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/j. This isn’t necessary and makes the Seal look cheap.
There’s a large panoramic roof, but…
The Seal comes standard with a large panoramic sunroof, which offers great views at night but can turn the cabin into a sauna during the day when the sun is directly overhead.
Surprisingly, the car lacks a power sunshade for the panoramic sunroof. Instead, BYD provides two piece of sunshades that have to be manually placed, which is quite annoying for a car costing nearly RM200,000.
Overly sophisticated controls
This writer is aware that in order to design a clutter-free, minimalist cabin, automakers try to minimise the amount of physical knobs and buttons as much as possible, and integrate the functions into the infotainment system.
But it needs to be said that not all vehicle functions need to be digitised. One good example is the air-conditioning system. In the Seal, even the AC vents adjustment is done via the large display. Sometimes, less is more.
Slow charging
Despite using a 800V architecture commonly found in luxury EV models, Seal only supports fast charging up to 150 kW, which lower than many other 800V EVs on the market.
For AC charging, the Malaysian-spec Seal can only support up to 7 kW, taking approximately 15 hours for a full charge, whereas in Europe, this model comes with an 11 kW AC charger.
Limited boot space
Despite its longer and wider dimensions compared to most C-segment sedans, Seal has a relatively small boot space of only 400 litres. There’s an additional 53-litre storage space under the bonnet but it’s not that spacious.
In comparison, the Model 3 has a whopping 682 litres of boot space while the B-segment sedan Honda City offers 519 litres of storage space in the back.
BYD has reportedly agreed to invest $1 billion in an assembly plant in Turkiye as part of its efforts to further expand its brand into the European region.
BYD’s Chairman Wang Chuanfu and Turkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir signed an investment deal in Istanbul, witnessed by President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Local media reports claim the manufacturing plant will have an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 vehicles and is expected to create around 5,000 job opportunities.
The plant is expected to commence operations by the end of 2026. However, the specific models to be assembled at the upcoming facility are currently unknown.
The deal comes hot on the heels of the European Union (EU) slapping extra provisional tariffs of up to 38% on EVs imported from China.
To make matters worse for the Chinese manufacturers, Turkiye had previously announced a 40% import tariff on all vehicles from China to protect its automotive industry.
But by establishing an assembly plant in Turkiye, BYD can now bring its cars into Europe without having to deal with the import tariffs, as Turkiye is part of EU’s Customs Union.
China is the world’s largest EV producer, and with the fierce price war in the country, Chinese EV makers have been aggressively exporting their cars overseas.
The influx of Chinese EVs has led several countries to impose high tariffs not only on EVs but also various goods from China to protect their economies.
One way to avoid these tariffs is by starting local assembly operations. BYD has started making its move in the Old Continent with the announcement of assembly plants in Hungary and Turkiye.
On top of that, the brand has recently launched an assembly plant in Rayong, Thailand, cementing its presence in the Southeast Asian region.
The Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD has recently launched the opening of its first vehicle assembly plant in the Southeast Asia region.
The plant, located in Rayong, Thailand, has a production capacity of approximately 150,000 units per year and will serve as the assembly location for its four key models, namely Dophin, Atto 3, Song, and Sealion.
Additionally, one of BYD’s subsidiaries is reported to be establishing a battery production plant at the same location.
Thailand has traditionally been a hub for assembly and regional car exports, long dominated by Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu.
By 2030, the country aims to transition 30 percent of its annual production of 2.5 million vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). As a result, BYD plans to make Thailand its manufacturing hub for exports to the ASEAN market and other countries.
In addition to Thailand, the EV company is also reportedly planning to open its second ASEAN assembly plant in Indonesia by 2026.
Harmony Auto, a leading vehicle distributor group from China, today launched its first BYD 3S center at Hartamas Shopping Centre.
Covering an area of approximately 8,000 square feet, this 3S center provides a variety of facilities designed to enhance the customer experience.
It consists of a spacious vehicle display area, a luxurious waiting lounge for customers, special consultation rooms, and a vehicle delivery area.
For added comfort, the customer reception area for post-sales transactions – combining modern design with personalized service processes for each customer – seamlessly extends from the shopping center car park.
There are six parking spots available outside, each equipped with four charging stations for use by BYD owners.
With meticulous design plans, this center not only facilitates customer access but also reflects BYD’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
Liang Xinyue, BYD’s General Manager for Asia-Pacific, who launched the premises, said, “The opening of the BYD Hartamas outlet in a mall not only brings new vitality to the Malaysian market but also injects new momentum into introducing Malaysia’s green travel”.
He added that the location is ideal as it offers both the convenience of shopping for BYD products and customer car servicing.
Liang believes that the number of BYD customers in Hartamas and the surrounding areas is growing, and the opening of this new center aims to meet the demand from customers looking for environmentally friendly vehicles.
Harmony Auto’s BYD Center is also equipped with a Service and Parts Center set to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.
With the 3S center fully operational, the BYD Hartamas 3S center will be the first located within a shopping center.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
