BYD to Expand South Africa Dealership Network as EV Demand Grows

BYD plans to increase its South African dealership network from 13 to 35 by the end of 2025 to capture the growing market for clean-energy vehicles in the region. According to Reuters, BYD Auto South Africa General Manager Steve Chang stated that the company plans to increase its current 13 dealerships to 20 by the end of this year and reach 35 by the end of next year.

The South African automotive market has become more competitive due to Chinese automakers GAC, Chery and GWM entering the region. BYD launched its battery-electric ATTO 3 vehicle in the South African market in 2023 and since then has introduced the plug-in hybrid Shark pick-up and the SEALION series of hybrid and electric SUVs to its diverse product line.

The dual-powertrain strategy of BYD involves using both hybrid and pure electric vehicles to meet consumer demands. South African drivers are showing greater acceptance of electrified vehicles which has strengthened the company's confidence in its expansion plans according to Chang.

The EV sector has become a major battleground between BYD and Tesla worldwide and the company is using similar aggressive expansion strategies in Africa. The EV market in Africa shows great potential for growth because of better infrastructure and decreasing costs according to market analysts. The market transformation occurs while Chinese automakers face new tariffs in key markets such as the U.S.