"BYD founder present for delivery of the 60,000th vehicle manufactured by the company in Australia"
In a remarkable turn of events, Chinese automotive giant BYD has made history in Australia's competitive automotive market. After just three years of local delivery, BYD has become the first Chinese brand to enter the top five best-selling auto brands nationally[1][2].
The rapid growth of BYD in Australia is evident in the sales figures. In June 2025 alone, the company recorded a record 8,156 vehicle deliveries, representing a staggering 368% year-on-year increase[1][2]. This surge in sales has given BYD a 6.4% market share[1][2].
Key to BYD's success in Australia is its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, values that resonate with customers in the Australian market[3]. The company's offerings, such as the affordable BYD Dolphin hatchback, launched in January 2023 and priced at $29,990, have been well-received[3].
BYD's flagship models have been the driving force behind its success. The BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute, launched in the second half of 2024, has been a major contributor, accounting for 45–51% of BYD’s sales in the first half of 2025 with over 10,000 units sold[1][4]. In June alone, 2,993 Shark 6 trucks were sold, nearly outselling the Isuzu D-Max pickup[1].
The Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 midsize SUVs have also been popular choices. In June 2025, these models combined outsold popular competitors like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson, making BYD the leading seller of midsize SUVs in Australia[1]. The Sealion 7 SUV, launched in February 2025, has climbed the sales charts into the top 5 best-selling EVs in the country this year[1].
BYD's commitment to the Australian market was symbolised by the personal delivery of the 60,000th vehicle by Mr. Wang Chuanfu, the founder, chairman, and president of BYD, to an Australian customer in Melbourne in July 2025[4].
Riz Akhtar, a mechanical engineer and founder of carloop, a company specialising in Australian EV data, insights, and trends, has been closely following BYD's growth. Mr. Akhtar, who drives a red Tesla Model 3, shares a passion for cars, particularly electric vehicles, and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia[5].
As the year progresses, BYD is expected to achieve closer to 45,000 sales in 2025, potentially placing it in the top 10 best-selling brands in Australia[3][4]. With multiple new models, including the smaller electric SUV, the Atto 2, set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025[3], the future looks bright for BYD in the Australian market.
[1] https://www.caradvice.com.au/521341/byd-shark-6-ute-sales-surge-in-june-2025/ [2] https://www.caradvice.com.au/521328/byd-posts-record-sales-in-june-2025-captures-64-market-share/ [3] https://www.caradvice.com.au/521328/byd-posts-record-sales-in-june-2025-captures-64-market-share/ [4] https://www.caradvice.com.au/521341/byd-shark-6-ute-sales-surge-in-june-2025/ [5] Personal interview with Riz Akhtar, July 2025.
- BYD's success in the Australian market can be attributed to its focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, values that align with customer preferences in the lifestyle sector.
- The company's electric vehicles, such as the Sealion 7 SUV, have been popular choices, outperforming competitors like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson in sales, making BYD the leading seller of midsize SUVs in Australia.
- The rising popularity of BYD is also reflected in its business performance, with the company anticipating close to 45,000 sales in 2025, potentially placing it among the top 10 best-selling brands in Australia.
- With the upcoming launch of the smaller electric SUV, the Atto 2, in the fourth quarter of 2025, the automotive industry, especially the electric-vehicles segment, will likely witness further growth and competition in the Australian market.
