Latest news with #DolphinSurf
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chinese EVs take off in the UK as BYD closes in on Tesla
The UK has become a pivotal market for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, accounting for 30% of all Chinese electric models sold across Europe. The number of electric cars on UK roads has nearly doubled in the past two years, and nearly one in five new cars sold in 2024 was electric. BYD ( China's leading EV company, is at the forefront of this push, challenging Tesla (TSLA) to get the top spot in the UK. In May, the Shenzhen-based company sold just 40 fewer cars than Tesla, having surpassed it for the first time in April. BYD's latest move in the UK market, introducing the budget-friendly Dolphin Surf, marks another chapter in its pursuit to become the world's largest electric carmaker. Starting at £18,650, the Dolphin Surf is now one of the most affordable new vehicles in the UK. For comparison, the cheapest electric car on sale in the country, the Dacia Spring, is priced at £14,995 and offers a range of 140 miles. Other budget EVs include the Citroën ë-C3 at £18,305 and Renault's ( 5 model, which starts at £22,995. The Dolphin Surf offers an official range of up to 137 miles and comes equipped with features usually found in higher-end models, such as a rotating touchscreen, intelligent cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The company, which started out manufacturing batteries for mobile phones, has set a new sales record in the UK, delivering 9,271 cars in Q1 2024 alone. Its success in the UK mirrors a broader surge in demand for Chinese EVs across Europe. Read more: UK's best-selling cars revealed In March 2024, Chinese manufacturers accounted for 30% of all electric vehicle sales in the UK, according to data from Matthias Schmidt, an electric vehicle analyst, with rivals such as Xpeng (XPEV), Leapmotor ( and Jaecoo, owned by state-controlled Chery, also making inroads into the market. BYD's expansion comes as the company's market capitalisation has surged to $141bn, nearly three times the value of Volkswagen ( though still a fraction of Tesla's market dominance, which is valued at nearly $1tn. BYD has expanded its sales from 400,000 cars in 2020 to more than 3.7 million in 2023. In a show of its growing ambition, BYD added 200,000 employees in 2024, more than the entire workforce of General Motors (GM). Read more: Is it cheaper to run an electric vehicle or a petrol car? In Europe, Tesla is showing signs of losing momentum. In May, the company sold just 13,863 vehicles in the region, down 28% from the same period a year earlier. As Tesla's growth stalls, Chinese automakers such as BYD, SAIC ( and others are rapidly stepping into the void. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) recently reported that SAIC, the Chinese state-owned conglomerate behind the MG brand, was the fastest-growing manufacturer in Europe. In May, SAIC sold almost twice as many cars across the region as Tesla. Tesla's faltering European performance has been further compounded by a growing boycott, fuelled by CEO Elon Musk's controversial political stances. The electric vehicle maker, once the darling of the EV revolution, has seen its stock plummet by 25% so far this year. Investors are concerned about the damage to the Tesla brand in Europe, where sales have fallen sharply, and in the US, where Musk's embrace of right-wing politics has alienated a segment of consumers. There have been protests outside dozens of Tesla dealerships in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany and Portugal. The day Musk announced plans to form a new political party, Tesla lost more than $68bn in market cap. 'Very simply Musk diving deeper into politics and now trying to take on the Beltway establishment is exactly the opposite direction that Tesla investors/shareholders want him to take during this crucial period for the Tesla story,' Dan Ives, global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, said in a note on Sunday. 'While the core Musk supporters will back him at every turn no matter what, there is broader sense of exhaustion from many Tesla investors that Musk keeps heading down the political track.' Tesla's plummeting deliveries in a steadily growing global EV market come despite Musk saying in April that sales had turned around. Read more: 3.5 million on track to pay higher mortgages by 2028 In a bid to boost demand, Tesla recently refreshed its top-selling Model Y crossover. However, the redesign came with a production halt and caused many potential buyers to delay their purchases, waiting for the updated version. Meanwhile, rivals like BYD and Chery are speeding past Tesla, each increasing their global sales by approximately 40% in 2024, as Musk's company experienced its first annual sales decline. Last month, smartphone giant-turned EV maker Xiaomi ( launched its YU7 electric SUV in May, racking up over 240,000 preorders in just 24 hours. Likewise, Chinese startup Xpeng unveiled its G7 SUV, a direct rival to the Model Y, which also saw strong early demand. Both of these vehicles are priced competitively below the Model Y in China. The shift in global EV sales patterns is a sign of China's rising influence. From 2020 to 2024, foreign automakers such as Volkswagen, Toyota (7203.T, TM), and GM (GM) saw their sales in China drop from 9.4 million units annually to 6.4 million, according to data provided to Reuters by consultancy Automobility. During the same period, China's domestic automakers — BYD, Geely ( and others — saw their sales more than double, rising from 4.6 million to 9.5 million. This shift is partly driven by the aggressive pricing strategies of Chinese automakers. For instance, BYD now offers 0% APR deals in Europe, a tactic that Tesla once employed to attract buyers. The BYD Dolphin, priced from £279 per month with 0% APR, is drawing attention, as is the BYD Atto 3, which starts at £399 per month with a £3,100 deposit contribution and dealer discounts. In comparison, Tesla's vehicles, like the facelifted Model Y, start at £399 per month with a £6,100 deposit and a 2.9% APR rate. Tesla remains a dominant player in the global EV market but is increasingly facing competition, especially in Europe and China. Musk's controversial political moves have added another layer of uncertainty, leaving investors to question the company's future. The key challenge now is whether Tesla can gain speed or be overtaken by in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chinese EVs take off in the UK as BYD closes in on Tesla
The UK has become a pivotal market for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, accounting for 30% of all Chinese electric models sold across Europe. The number of electric cars on UK roads has nearly doubled in the past two years, and nearly one in five new cars sold in 2024 was electric. BYD ( China's leading EV company, is at the forefront of this push, challenging Tesla (TSLA) to get the top spot in the UK. In May, the Shenzhen-based company sold just 40 fewer cars than Tesla, having surpassed it for the first time in April. BYD's latest move in the UK market, introducing the budget-friendly Dolphin Surf, marks another chapter in its pursuit to become the world's largest electric carmaker. Starting at £18,650, the Dolphin Surf is now one of the most affordable new vehicles in the UK. For comparison, the cheapest electric car on sale in the country, the Dacia Spring, is priced at £14,995 and offers a range of 140 miles. Other budget EVs include the Citroën ë-C3 at £18,305 and Renault's ( 5 model, which starts at £22,995. The Dolphin Surf offers an official range of up to 137 miles and comes equipped with features usually found in higher-end models, such as a rotating touchscreen, intelligent cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The company, which started out manufacturing batteries for mobile phones, has set a new sales record in the UK, delivering 9,271 cars in Q1 2024 alone. Its success in the UK mirrors a broader surge in demand for Chinese EVs across Europe. Read more: UK's best-selling cars revealed In March 2024, Chinese manufacturers accounted for 30% of all electric vehicle sales in the UK, according to data from Matthias Schmidt, an electric vehicle analyst, with rivals such as Xpeng (XPEV), Leapmotor ( and Jaecoo, owned by state-controlled Chery, also making inroads into the market. BYD's expansion comes as the company's market capitalisation has surged to $141bn, nearly three times the value of Volkswagen ( though still a fraction of Tesla's market dominance, which is valued at nearly $1tn. BYD has expanded its sales from 400,000 cars in 2020 to more than 3.7 million in 2023. In a show of its growing ambition, BYD added 200,000 employees in 2024, more than the entire workforce of General Motors (GM). Read more: Is it cheaper to run an electric vehicle or a petrol car? In Europe, Tesla is showing signs of losing momentum. In May, the company sold just 13,863 vehicles in the region, down 28% from the same period a year earlier. As Tesla's growth stalls, Chinese automakers such as BYD, SAIC ( and others are rapidly stepping into the void. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) recently reported that SAIC, the Chinese state-owned conglomerate behind the MG brand, was the fastest-growing manufacturer in Europe. In May, SAIC sold almost twice as many cars across the region as Tesla. Tesla's faltering European performance has been further compounded by a growing boycott, fuelled by CEO Elon Musk's controversial political stances. The electric vehicle maker, once the darling of the EV revolution, has seen its stock plummet by 25% so far this year. Investors are concerned about the damage to the Tesla brand in Europe, where sales have fallen sharply, and in the US, where Musk's embrace of right-wing politics has alienated a segment of consumers. There have been protests outside dozens of Tesla dealerships in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany and Portugal. The day Musk announced plans to form a new political party, Tesla lost more than $68bn in market cap. 'Very simply Musk diving deeper into politics and now trying to take on the Beltway establishment is exactly the opposite direction that Tesla investors/shareholders want him to take during this crucial period for the Tesla story,' Dan Ives, global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, said in a note on Sunday. 'While the core Musk supporters will back him at every turn no matter what, there is broader sense of exhaustion from many Tesla investors that Musk keeps heading down the political track.' Tesla's plummeting deliveries in a steadily growing global EV market come despite Musk saying in April that sales had turned around. Read more: 3.5 million on track to pay higher mortgages by 2028 In a bid to boost demand, Tesla recently refreshed its top-selling Model Y crossover. However, the redesign came with a production halt and caused many potential buyers to delay their purchases, waiting for the updated version. Meanwhile, rivals like BYD and Chery are speeding past Tesla, each increasing their global sales by approximately 40% in 2024, as Musk's company experienced its first annual sales decline. Last month, smartphone giant-turned EV maker Xiaomi ( launched its YU7 electric SUV in May, racking up over 240,000 preorders in just 24 hours. Likewise, Chinese startup Xpeng unveiled its G7 SUV, a direct rival to the Model Y, which also saw strong early demand. Both of these vehicles are priced competitively below the Model Y in China. The shift in global EV sales patterns is a sign of China's rising influence. From 2020 to 2024, foreign automakers such as Volkswagen, Toyota (7203.T, TM), and GM (GM) saw their sales in China drop from 9.4 million units annually to 6.4 million, according to data provided to Reuters by consultancy Automobility. During the same period, China's domestic automakers — BYD, Geely ( and others — saw their sales more than double, rising from 4.6 million to 9.5 million. This shift is partly driven by the aggressive pricing strategies of Chinese automakers. For instance, BYD now offers 0% APR deals in Europe, a tactic that Tesla once employed to attract buyers. The BYD Dolphin, priced from £279 per month with 0% APR, is drawing attention, as is the BYD Atto 3, which starts at £399 per month with a £3,100 deposit contribution and dealer discounts. In comparison, Tesla's vehicles, like the facelifted Model Y, start at £399 per month with a £6,100 deposit and a 2.9% APR rate. Tesla remains a dominant player in the global EV market but is increasingly facing competition, especially in Europe and China. Musk's controversial political moves have added another layer of uncertainty, leaving investors to question the company's future. The key challenge now is whether Tesla can gain speed or be overtaken by rivals.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BYD hits 1m production milestone for Dolphin Surf model
BYD has officially marked the production of the one millionth Dolphin Surf model. Known in China as the Seagull and Latin America as the Dolphin Mini, BYD says the Dolphin Surf has redefined what customers around the world can experience in a compact EV. The millionth example of the car rolled down the production line at the model's home factory in Xi'an, China, just 27 months after the first, becoming the fastest-selling model in its segment in history, BYD maintains. BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said: 'The Dolphin Surf has set benchmarks and records ever since it was introduced, topping the monthly sales charts in its class more than 20 times in just over two years. We said at the car's recent European launch that it's a global superstar that breaks down barriers to the adoption of sustainable mobility, and we're thrilled that a million examples are now on the roads around the world. Regardless of whether you know this vehicle as the Seagull, Dolphin Mini or Dolphin Surf, its recipe for success is pure and simple: an accessible zero-emissions vehicle that's practical and flexible for everyday use in cities and beyond, and packed with BYD's useful technologies.' BYD maintains its recent introduction in Europe – where new-energy vehicles account for just nine percent of the A- and B-segments – will now help to improve adoption rates of sustainable mobility in this region. In Europe, the entry level Dolphin Surf, Active, pairs its 30kWh battery with a 65kW motor, while Boost features the same power but a larger 43.2kWh battery for a WLTP Combined range of 322km and a City range of 502km. The range-topping Comfort then takes the larger battery and pairs it with the 'most powerful motor in its class' (115kW/220Nm), delivering a 0-100km/h time of just 9.1 seconds. Regardless of trim level, every Dolphin Surf comes with a standard-equipment list that includes a 10.1-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, LED daytime-running lights, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, NFC keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, air conditioning and electrically adjustable side mirrors. As well as their bigger battery and larger 16-inch alloy wheels, Boost versions of the car add electric adjustment on the front seats, along with rain-sensing wipers and electric folding side mirrors. And the range-topping Comfort features a 360-degree camera, LED headlights, rear privacy glass, side-mirror footlights, heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging. "BYD hits 1m production milestone for Dolphin Surf model" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is It Time to Buy BYD Before Its Next Ambitious Move?
Its strategy of focusing on more affordable electric vehicle models in Europe is paying off. BYD is also building out a fast-charging network in Europe to help drive market share growth. One potential challenge: consumer interest in EVs has been declining recently in Europe. 10 stocks we like better than BYD Company › As if by magic, BYD (OTC: BYDDY) has swiftly, smoothly, and soundly taken over China's electric vehicle (EV) industry. It surpassed Tesla in 2024 to become the world's largest EV manufacturer by sales, and the automaker isn't pumping the brakes. For BYD's next magic trick, it's about to make a big push into Europe. But is this a bad time with consumer sentiment there for EVs in decline? BYD's efforts in Europe got off to a bit of a sputtering start before it adjusted its sales strategy to focus on more affordable models. That pivot helped it gain traction in key European markets. In April, BYD sold more EVs in Europe than Tesla for the first time, according to a report by JATO Dynamics. Its move into the lead was aided both by Tesla's aging vehicle lineup and by the political adventures of CEO Elon Musk, which turned some consumers off the Tesla brand. Surpassing Tesla in Europe was a huge accomplishment considering it has led the Continent's battery-electric vehicle (BEV) market for years while BYD only officially began its operations there in late 2022. In fact, despite a slow start, BYD nearly quadrupled European sales during the first four months of 2025, per data from market research firm Dataforce. BYD is increasing its sales by roughly 10% monthly in Europe right now -- a staggering rate of growth. "If you are winning here, it means you are super good in every angle," said BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li in an interview with Bloomberg News. She also said the automaker would spend up to $20 billion in the region, noting that "Europe is our most important market." BYD's strategy includes rolling out an ultra-fast charging network across Europe to help drive brand awareness, build market share, and encourage broader consumer confidence in the availability of charging infrastructure. The company's system will be capable of recharging a BYD vehicle for 250 miles to 292 miles of range in as little as five minutes, depending on a few factors. It also recently launched a new model in Europe that has the potential to be its hottest seller there yet: the Dolphin Surf, a variant of BYD's best-selling EV, the Seagull. The compact vehicle sells for under $10,000 in China and will start at 19,990 euros ($22,700), drastically undercutting other top-selling EVs in the market. BYD is planning a strong push in Europe, but it could be coming at a less-than-ideal time. In a survey conducted by Shell, the number of respondents in Europe who were considering switching to an EV declined from 48% last year to 41% currently. The primary issue, however, was still price, and that presents an opportunity for BYD. China's leading EV maker has come a long way in a short time, but for investors, opening a position at current levels could still prove a great move, as the company has immense upside potential amid its global expansion. BYD's leading position in China's EV market will one day become more profitable as the industry consolidates and the price war abates. It's gaining traction in Europe quickly, and tariffs might only slow BYD down. And the U.S. market isn't interesting to BYD currently, but one day it's almost certain Chinese automakers will sell in the U.S. market and BYD is likely to be leading the charge. Those interested in investing in the future of the automotive industry should give BYD a much closer look. Its story is really only beginning, and its potential upside is immense. Before you buy stock in BYD Company, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and BYD Company wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $689,813!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $906,556!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 809% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 175% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 23, 2025 Daniel Miller has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BYD Company. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is It Time to Buy BYD Before Its Next Ambitious Move? was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
DW
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- DW
Why Uruguay is a Classic Car Paradise – DW – 06/27/2025
Uruguay is home to a vibrant vintage car culture – with many of those retro rides on the roads instead of in museums. Despite rising EV imports, collectors are committed to preserving this automotive heritage. Ukraine's female mechatronics experts With several hundred thousand Ukrainian men on the front lines, back home women are taking on traditionally male jobs. From electricians and welders to plumbers and car mechanics, they are reshaping the workforce. Testing the BYD Dolphin Surf The Dolphin Surf is EV maker BYD's 10th model in Europe. The low-cost car boasts a nice design, solid range and eco-friendly features. The 2025 Urban Car of the Year betters many rivals in terms of space and equipment. DW English SAT 28.06.2025 – 00:30 UTC SAT 28.06.2025 – 06:30 UTC SUN 29.06.2025 – 04:30 UTC SUN 29.06.2025 – 10:30 UTC SUN 29.06.2025 – 18:30 UTC SUN 29.06.2025 – 23:30 UTC TUE 01.07.2025 – 02:30 UTC TUE 01.07.2025 – 17:30 UTC THU 03.07.2025 – 13:30 UTC Lagos UTC +1 | Cape Town UTC +2 | Nairobi UTC +3 Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8 London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3 San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4
