Chinese electric car giant races ahead of Tesla in Australia

Sydney Morning Herald

13 hours ago

Chinese electric car giant BYD sold a record number of vehicles in Australia last month, reflecting its aggressive local expansion campaign, the growing appeal of cheaper electric cars and the sinking popularity of Elon Musk's Tesla.
Yet-to-be-filed sales figures show Australians bought more than 8000 new BYD vehicles in June, a 350 per cent increase compared with the same time last year, eclipsing the company's previous monthly record of 4811 local sales in March.
The result widens BYD's lead over its biggest rival, Tesla, which on Wednesday reported the sales of 4589 vehicles in Australia for June, which is a drop of 2 per cent versus the same month last year, and a 39 per cent year-to-date decline.
So far this year, BYD has sold about 23,000 vehicles in Australia, while Tesla has sold 14,146.
BYD's blockbuster monthly result highlights the Shenzhen-based vehicle giant's rising popularity in Australia since launching two years ago. Aggressive pricing and an emphasis on design have fuelled BYD's ambitious plan to take on Tesla for the top spot on the Australian electric vehicle sales charts.
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While Tesla has been the best-selling electric car brand for years, its sales have been sliding globally as motorists embrace cheaper Chinese models. Meanwhile, the Tesla brand has suffered intense backlash because of chief executive Elon Musk's involvement with right-wing politics and Donald Trump's administration in the United States.
BYD's goal is to become one of Australia's top-five automotive brands as it expands its product range and aims to double its local dealership network in the coming year.
In January, it launched its first plug-in hybrid electric ute, the Shark 6, which retails for $57,900 before on-road costs and is aimed at snatching market share from Australia's top-selling utes, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.