Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is set to significantly expand its footprint in South Africa, with plans to nearly triple its dealership network by next year, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in Africa’s largest automotive market.
The company, which made its South African debut in 2023 with the launch of its battery electric ATTO 3 model, currently operates approximately 13 dealerships across the country. According to Steve Chang, General Manager of BYD Auto South Africa, that number is expected to increase to 20 by the end of this year, with further growth to between 30 and 35 dealerships targeted for 2025.
This strategic expansion comes amid increasing competition in South Africa’s emerging new energy vehicle (NEV) segment, where other Chinese automakers such as GAC, Chery, and GWM are also gaining traction. The market is witnessing a gradual shift towards electrification, driven by rising consumer interest and a broader global transition towards sustainable mobility.
BYD currently offers six models to South African consumers, with a dual-powertrain approach that includes both hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Its latest additions to the market — the plug-in hybrid Shark pick-up, the hybrid SEALION 6, and the fully electric SEALION 7 SUV — were introduced in April, enhancing the brand’s appeal across a diverse customer base.
The expanded dealership network is expected to bolster brand visibility and accessibility across South Africa, a country that remains in the early stages of electrified vehicle adoption. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), sales of new energy vehicles more than doubled in 2024, reaching 15,611 units compared to 7,782 units the previous year.
Despite this growth, NEVs still account for a relatively small share of overall car sales. Chang emphasised BYD’s commitment to being a long-term player in the market, stating the company’s intention to educate consumers and lay the groundwork for broader adoption.
“We want to educate and cultivate the market of South Africa and make sure that the South African consumers can catch up with the rest of the world,” he said.
He acknowledged that the uptake of electric vehicles in Africa remains slow when compared to other emerging markets, due in part to challenges such as limited charging infrastructure, unstable electricity supply, and high import duties on electric vehicles relative to traditional combustion-engine cars. Nevertheless, BYD remains optimistic.
“South Africa is actually one of the most important automotive markets in the southern hemisphere. It’s probably the biggest market in all of Africa, so it’s a market that we have to look at and see how we can develop,” Chang added.
With a growing model line-up and a strengthened retail presence, BYD is positioning itself to play a key role in shaping the future of electric mobility in South Africa.
-Reuters
