BYD unveils seven-seater MPEV | The Star

SHAH ALAM: Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is experiencing rapid growth, surpassing its nine millionth new energy vehicle (NEV) rollout globally, just two months after hitting the eight million mark in July.

To note, in July, BYD opened its new factory in Thailand, with an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles, further strengthening its presence in South-East Asia.

This factory also produced BYD’s eight millionth NEV and the car maker has a footprint in 88 countries globally.

BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Eagle Zhao said the company expects to produce its tenth millionth NEV “very soon,” given the current growth rate.

“We also believe that our achievement has only just begun, there is still tremendous growth and demand in the EV industry,” he said during the launch of BYD M6 in Malaysia yesterday.

The seven-seater vehicle, is the company’s first multipurpose electric vehicle (MPEV) for the local market.

“With the BYD M6, currently our fourth EV model brought into Malaysia, we can assure you that it will not be the last. We are committed to ensuring that our offerings cater to the diverse needs of Malaysians,” Zhau said.

BYD has been in Malaysia since December 2022, starting with the launch of its Atto 3.

In August 2023, the company introduced the Dolphin, followed by the sporty sedan Seal earlier this year.

Sime Darby Motors, the automotive arm of Sime Darby Bhd, is the exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia.

Sime Darby Motors South-East Asia managing director Jeffrey Gan said: “The BYD M6 will provide a solution for growing young families in Malaysia with its seven-seater configuration, while also catering to those who require and appreciate spaciousness,” Gan said.

He noted the group’s efforts to enhance customer service and support, with the opening of two new 3S (sales, service, and spare parts) centres – one in Damansara and another in Skudai, Johor – bringing the number of operational outlets in Malaysia to 26.“We are looking to expand this network to 30 by the end of the year,” Gan said.

“Not only have we built these facilities, but we have also invested together with our dealers and charging partners.

“To date, we have laid down a total of 122 alternating current and direct current charging units across Malaysia.”

The BYD M6 standard variant, with a range of 420km, is priced at RM109,800, while the BYD M6 extended variant, offering a range of 530km, is priced at RM123,800.