In 2023, Chinese automaker BYD achieved remarkable sales, surpassing the three-million mark for electrified vehicles throughout the year. This exceptional performance positioned BYD ahead of Tesla in the final quarter, marking the first time the Chinese manufacturer outpaced the electric vehicle (EV) giant during that period.
BYD achieved sales of 526,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the last quarter, outperforming Tesla's record of 484,500 BEV deliveries during the same period and 1.8 million over the entire year. Despite Tesla's ambition to reach two million sales in 2023, BYD's robust sales performance showcased its prowess in the competitive EV market.
With a total of 3,024,417 vehicles sold, including nearly 1.6 million fully electric models, BYD experienced a significant 61.9% year-on-year increase. The company's international market presence expanded dramatically, with exports surging by 334.2% to 242,765 units.
BYD made its mark in the UK with the introduction of the Atto 3 compact SUV in the spring, followed swiftly by the Dolphin hatchback. Before the close of the year, BYD also unveiled the Seal, an electric D-segment saloon, both of which belong to its Ocean series and are built on custom electric vehicle platforms.
Anticipating further growth, BYD is actively establishing a retail network in the UK, with plans to have 100 sites by 2025. While China has swiftly become the world's largest producer of EVs, its presence in Europe is growing steadily. The rapid pace of expansion and scalability in the Chinese EV market suggests an increasing prevalence of Chinese-made EVs on European roads in the future.
This trend is reinforced by expectations that, by the end of the decade, 10 new Chinese automotive brands will launch in the UK, providing fleet managers and company car drivers with a broader selection of electric vehicles. The article underscores BYD's impressive achievements, its growing influence in the UK market, and the broader trend of Chinese EV manufacturers making significant strides globally.
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