Chinese auto makers have seen Europe as the holy grail of car sales, quite the opposite to US and Euro car producers who see China as their make it or break it market. Some Chinese marques have already made it to Europe but found themselves on the receiving end of an entirely negative market, especially once their crash test results were aired all over the world.
BYD have reportedly selected a Dutch automotive dealer to be the sole importer for The Netherlands, Slovakia, The Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary, all of which are due to be getting BYD automobiles once sales start around 2010. BYD claim that by 2009, they will have passed European crash safety standards, and emission standards.
The first models for Europe from BYD are likely to be plug-in hybrid models, such as the BYD F6e, or the BYD F3Re, petrol models are likely to follow later.
This unconvential entry into the European market may well win BYD a few plus points in the traditionally agressive market. Where Brilliance and Landwind failed with their petrol models, perhaps BYD will win an advantage. Oil prices seem to increase at the forecourt daily, and the chance of owning a cheap Chinese hybrid automobile may well be the answer for many European families who see the family car as a transportation tool, rather than a status symbol.
BYD will get even a greater reaction right now in US as gas prices have risen to btween $4.17-$4.65 for regular unleaded depending on where you live. This big increase which is not likely to go down along with more of a move towards enviromentally friendly suggests perfect timing if they bring their cars…just the hybrids would be my strategy not the gas…they could be the first real all hybrid car company…chinese or not!!! And, with a competitive price versus the others…wow!!
They need to hurry though…I believe to be successful they need to be in the US by mid 2010.
Ash, where did you get the info on BYD making a F3Re??????? I’m not disputing you - I’m just pleasantly surprised!! A F3Re would most likely tip the scales for me between the F3Re and FRV - although the styling of the FRV is better, a F3Re will be more environmentally friendly (hopefully a LOT more). Any more details about the F3Re? Any pics or specs? Any idea on a public release date?? For that matter, any info on the F1e? I’ve heard rumors but that’s it.
A BYD powerpoint presentation I believe!
ok, when we can see byd en Europe