Has BYD conquered supply chain delays? Want a new BYD Atto 3 SUV, Dolphin hatch or Tesla Model 3-challenging Seal sedan? Not a problem! Here's why...

Vehicle supply has arguably been the Australian new-car market’s hottest talking point in 2023, and one recent newcomer to local showrooms, EV specialist BYD, has seemingly conquered the issue thanks to strategic investments in dedicated production capacity established in the brand’s Chinese factories.

When asked about supply of BYD’s launch model, the Atto 3, as well as the soon to arrive Dolphin compact hatch and Tesla Model 3-challenging Seal mid-size sedan, CEO of local BYD importer/distributor EVDirect, Luke Todd, told CarsGuide, “Strategically, when we look back at some of the decisions we made during Covid and pre-Covid, we’ve done really well.”

“We invested tens of millions of dollars in our own production facilities in China. We have our own production lines in the mega-factories of BYD. So supply for us is not an issue.

“If we wanted to have 50,000 vehicles in Australia this year we could do it. That’s a genuine capability of ours. 

“So, when you overlay our own production capabilities with BYD’s vertically-integrated factories - 99 per cent of BYD vehicle components are made by BYD - we can lever up and down as the market needs.

"And all of this is now culminating in what we’re seeing as a really successful launch,” he said.

Mr Todd claims, “In the last 12 months BYD has been the most successful automotive launch in Australia’s history with 10,000 vehicles sold within 12 months. And that’s not just (for) EVs. That’s the most successful launch of all time.”

EV specialist BYD has seemingly conquered vehicle supply issues. (Image: Tung Nguyen)

He also reiterated the brand’s commitment to having five models on sale and deliverable in Australia by the end of 2024.

That will include the Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal as well as a much-anticipated BEV ute and “another, slightly larger SUV, yet to be announced".

On the subject of the dual-cab ute, Mr Todd confirmed, “An Australian engineering team is working hand-in-hand with the BYD engineers to ensure that the product is not just Australian tough but that it’s best in class.”

“We know that’s going to be really well received when it comes to Australia,” he added.