Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has announced plans to nearly triple its South African dealership network by 2026, as the automaker seeks to cement its position in Africa’s largest car market.
The move comes amid rising competition and a growing appetite for electric mobility in the region. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) jumped to 15,611 units in 2024, doubling from 7,782 in 2023.
BYD, which launched locally in 2023 with its fully electric ATTO 3, currently operates 13 dealerships across South Africa. However, according to Steve Chang, general manager of BYD Auto South Africa, that figure is set to rise to 20 by the end of 2025, with a target of 30 to 35 dealerships by 2026.
“We want to educate and cultivate the market,” said Chang. “South African consumers deserve access to clean, cutting-edge technology, just like the rest of the world.”
BYD’s portfolio now includes six models, blending plug-in hybrids and full electrics. New additions such as the SEALION 6 hybrid, SEALION 7 EV, and the Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up, launched in April, reflect its dual-powertrain strategy aimed at appealing to a broader range of South African drivers.
Despite lingering challenges such as unreliable power supply, high import duties, and limited EV charging infrastructure, BYD sees huge potential. Chang described South Africa as “one of the most important automotive markets in the Southern Hemisphere”, and a key entry point into the wider African continent.
While NEVs still account for a small portion of South Africa’s 500,000+ annual vehicle sales, early entrants like BYD are betting on long-term shifts. As fuel costs rise and climate awareness grows, BYD aims to become a household name in the emerging African EV space.
“This market is just starting its transition. We want to be there from the beginning,” said Chang.
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