Even as it readies to reveal the all-electric Sealion 7 coupe-SUV at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, BYD India, which sold 2,831 EVs in CY2024, has put into motion an aggressive network expansion plan to increase its dealerships from the existing 27 to 40 by end-January 2025.
14 Jan 2025 | 4832 Views | By Ajit Dalvi
BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD of China, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is revving up for increased traction in the world's third largest automobile market both in terms of new products as well as dealer network expansion. The Indian passenger vehicle market clocked record retail sales ...
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BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD of China, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is revving up for increased traction in the world's third largest automobile market both in terms of new products as well as dealer network expansion. The Indian passenger vehicle market clocked record retail sales of over 4 million units (up 5.18% YoY) in CY2024 including best-ever electric vehicle sales of 99,290 units, up 20% YoY.
On January 10, 2025, BYD India inaugurated its first electric vehicle showroom in Karnal, Haryana – Samta BYD Karnal. The new facility will provide both sales and service support to BYD vehicle owners in the region.
The Karnal showroom, which is spread across 30,000 square feet and includes a well-equipped workshop aimed at delivering a top-notch customer experience, is the largest BYD showroom and workshop yet in North India. BYD India currently markets three EVs: the Seal sedan, Atto 3 SUV and eMax 7 MPV. The Karnal showroom’s expansive display area will showcase BYD’s complete lineup of EVs and also offer expert sales consultation.
The opening of the newest dealership is part of the EV OEM’s strategic growth gameplan designed to expand its dealership footprint across India from the exiting 27 touchpoints to 40 by the end of January 2025.
Commenting on the inauguration of its latest dealership, Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) at BYD India, said: "We are excited to partner with Samta BYD Karnal to launch BYD’s first dealership in Karnal. This is a landmark achievement for BYD India as this is also the biggest BYD showroom and workshop in North India. Our objective is to provide customers with a seamless and enriching experience. With a dedicated team, Samta BYD Karnal is set to cater to the increasing demand for electric vehicles and aid Karnal in its journey toward eco-friendly transportation. The city is gaining momentum for its commitment to sustainable practices, and we are thrilled to contribute to this evolution."
Baldev Khetarpal, chairman and managing director of Samta BYD Karnal added, "We are delighted to bring the world’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, BYD, closer to customers of Haryana. BYD’s cars, with their cutting-edge Blade Battery, Cell-To-Body Technology and industry-defining all-in-one integrated powertrain, along with extensive warranty coverage, make the ownership of BYD electric cars a supreme experience. We at Samta BYD Karnal assure our customers in Haryana our best services at all times.”
BYD INDIA CLOCKS BEST-EVER RETAILS OF 2,831 EVs in CY2025
The aggressive network expansion plan is clearly a key element in BYD India’s growth strategy for CY2025 and beyond. The company, which is set to expand its existing three-model portfolio with the Sealion 7 coupe-SUV, sold a total of 2,831 EVs in India in CY2024, up 41% year on year (CY2023: 2,012).
The festive month of October 2024, when it sold 395 EVs (up 174% YoY), was the company’s best month yet since it began sales operations in India. The strong performance last year gave BYD India a near-3% market share of the Indian electric car and SUV market in CY2024 and the fourth rank after Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor India and Mahindra & Mahindra.
The Sealion 7 coupe-SUV has been developed on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo-born EV architecture and is sold with two battery options – 82.5kWh and 91.3kWh – with a maximum range of up to 502km.
SEALION 7 COUPE-SUV TO BE DISPLAYED AT BHARAT MOBILITY GLOBAL EXPO
BYD India is among the electric passenger vehicle OEMs to use the platform of the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi (January 17-22) to showcase new vehicles. The company is to display the Sealion 7 coupe-SUV, which is slated to be launched in India in March 2025.
The BYD Sealion 7 was unveiled last year and is already on sale in China and some European markets. Touted as an affordable option to the Tesla Model Y overseas, BYD’s stylish coupe-SUV shares a lot of design cues seen on the Seal sedan that’s on sale in India. It has similar headlamps and connected taillamp setups with a more aggressive front and rear bumper design.
The interior is pretty similar to the Seal sedan, with the highlight being a large rotating screen that has been a signature feature for most BYD models. The Sealion 7, which is around 4.8 metres long, uses BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo born electric architecture and comes with the brand’s innovative Blade battery setup. The SUV is sold with two battery options – 82.5kWh and 91.3kWh – with maximum range of up to 502km. It will be BYD’s fifth all-new passenger EV in India within three years.
(With inputs from Akbar Merchant)
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