Published by Ash September 2nd, 2008
in BYD Auto.
The BYD F0 has hit the market at last, and with a price tag not far from the once rumoured 20,000rmb starting point.
The F0 was renamed earlier this year due to potential licensing issues by using the F1 name, although using a Toyota Aygo inspired design appears not to have been a major issue. BYD are reportedly making less than 1000rmb on each car, making it one of the cheapest small cars on the Chinese market, although the small amount of profit may make the F0 pricing susceptible to increases in raw material costs over the coming years. BYD are reportedly producing several different versions of the F0, which will include Practical, Standard, Luxury, and VIP models, which will be split over the price brackets of 30,690rmb, 30,990rmb, 40,390rmb, and 40,690rmb.
BYD claim that the F0 has no competitors in the AOO car segment, and claim to be aiming for total sales across the BYD range of around 8000 cars per month, or 30,000 cars for this year alone. By 2010, BYD hope to be selling 80,000 cars per year.
Published by Ash August 18th, 2008
in BYD Auto and Chinese Car News.
BYD are about to make automotive history by launching the cheapest hybrid motor onto the world, starting at 100,000rmb (14,000USD) the BYD F3 Hybrid is certainly the cheapest, a lot cheaper than the base Toyota Prius ($21,000USD)
The F3 Hybrid will be formally known as the BYD F3DM once it is launched at the end of the year, DM stands for Dual Mode. BYD will also be launching a ‘pure electric’ BYD F3, although we are currently unaware of any launch dates for that particular model, or if it will even see Chinese domestic sales. The BYD F3 DM is likely to be at the forefront of any march into the European sales arena, for those who question BYD’s safety record, the F3 passed a Russian crash test to European NCAP standards several months ago.
Previously, BYD said the famous BYD F1 would be a 20,000rmb car, however as the launch date came closer the price of the car also increased! Many Chinese commentators on the F3 DM were vastly in support of the ground breaking F3 DM, but some were distracted by the previous F1 price debacle.
Technical specifications on the BYD F3 DM were not immediately available from BYD, or media reports, but we wait with great anticpation for more information.
BYD are also planning to launch other DM vehicles over the next few years, including SUVs, and MPV’s which will follow the design of the current F3.
Published by Ash July 15th, 2008
in BYD Auto.
BYD have changed the name of the BYD F1 to BYD F0, according to media reports, the Formula One group were upset that BYD were using the F1 name, causing BYD to do a rapid name change for the little car.
As BYD plan on entering more and more overseas markets, its probably in BYD’s best interests to avoid such naming errors that may lead to upset parties forming to bring copyright infringements against the fledgling company, obviously design issues are another matter. The BYD F1 F0 is currently in production and dealers are accepting deposits for the car, priced from 40,800rmb to 55,800rmb.
Published by Ash June 27th, 2008
in BYD Auto.
The BYD F1 is not set to be one of the cheapest cars on the roads today, instead its looking more like its going to be priced in the mid 40,000rmb marker.
BYD dealers are currently accepting deposits on the F1, which will be priced between 40,580rmb and 50,580rmb, depending on specifcation.
For more information on the BYD F1, search China Car Times!
Published by Ash June 16th, 2008
in BYD Auto.
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.
Published by Ash May 24th, 2008
in BYD Auto.
The BYD F1 splashed onto the internet with a rather large fan fare - possibly a contender for the worlds cheapest car title, and with good looks to boot. As more information about the F1 leaked out, it seemed that the F1 wouldnt be as cheap as it was supposed to be, but it was still cheap.
The BYD F1 is expected to be priced in the high 20,000rmb range to 40,000rmb range, however, no final price has been set from BYD as far we are aware.
Click continue reading to view more.
Continue reading ‘China Car Times: Up close and personal with the BYD F1′
Published by Ash May 22nd, 2008
in BYD Auto.
The prices of commodities has risen faster than anything over the past 12 months, simple materials that go into car making have also risen - rubber, and steel prices have also shot up a lot over the past few months, leaving no choice for many small Chinese car makers but to raise steel prices. Chery, and Great Wall have reportedly raised prices on several models, however, the price rises are very low, often $50 to $500USD on certain models.
In other BYD related news, China Car Times was behind a new BYD F6 today, and we have to say its a pretty nice car!
Published by Ash April 24th, 2008
in BYD Auto.
BYD seem to be the big boys in China when it comes to making pure electric vehicles! They showed off the BYD E6 at the Beijing Auto Show this week, and received much interest in the vehicle.
Although the BYD E6 is still at a concept stage, the E6 could be rolling the streets as soon as 2010. The specifications of the electric car arent that shabby either, a top speed of over 160kph, and the ability to recharge from a 220v electricity outlet within 15 minutes and on a full charge will be able to travel 300km.
BYD have been carrying out intensive research work on their batteries, putting them through hot and cold testing to avoid explosions or other quality issues.
Published by Ash March 25th, 2008
in BYD Auto.
BYD angrily rejected criticisms aimed at their F1 mini car (above) that they showed off at the Geneva car show earlier this month. The general manager of BYD, Mr. Xia Zhibing, said “The BYD F1 is a model developed by ourselves and we hold the intellectual property right for it”
Many people have noticed that the front end of both the Toyota Aygo, and the BYD F1 look remarkably similar, also the F1’s dashboards instrument panel also has a similar design to the Aygo.
The F1 is scheduled to go on the market later towards the middle of this year, BYD is hoping to sell around 25,000 of these F1 cars. BYD hopes to manufacture 200,000 cars in total this year. Its latest car, the larger BYD F6 went on the market this week, which BYD are also hoping to sell around 25,000 of in 2008.
The BYD F1 has a 12 valve 1.0l self developed engine from BYD, the engine has a max torque of 90nm and uses 4.2l of fuel per 100km.
Published by Ash March 7th, 2008
in BYD Auto.
The BYD F1 hasnt been officially launched yet, but we’ve got pictures of it out parked up, possibly outside BYD offices!
We quite like that pink color it comes in! Sign us up for one of those, BYD!
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