BYD Unveils 2024 M6 Electric Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in Indonesia’s Growing EV Market

BYD, the leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKG: 1211) and traded over-the-counter (OTCMKTS: BYDDY), has made a significant move in the Indonesian automotive landscape by unveiling its latest all-electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the BYD M6.

The announcement was made during the 31st GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), marking a pivotal step in BYD’s international market expansion strategy.

The BYD M6 stands out as the first MPV introduced by the company in Indonesia and is notably the first all-electric MPV to hit the local market, according to BYD‘s official statement. The vehicle is offered in both 7-seat and 6-seat configurations, priced competitively between IDR 379 million and IDR 429 million.

Eagle Zhao, General Manager of BYD Indonesia, emphasized that the launch of the M6 reflects BYD’s commitment to catering to the Indonesian market’s demand for environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Interestingly, the M6 is not currently available in BYD’s home market of China, where the company had previously launched a gasoline-powered M6 in 2010, a model that has since been discontinued.

BYD made a strategic decision in March 2022 to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles entirely, focusing instead on the production of plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles. The most recent MPV model offered by BYD in China was the Song Max DM-i, introduced in March 2022; however, it is no longer listed on the company’s official website.

Under the BYD Group umbrella, the primary MPV model currently dominating the Chinese market is the Denza-branded D9, which has seen sales exceeding 10,000 units per month for the past four months. In June alone, the D9 accounted for 10,186 units sold, representing 83% of Denza’s total monthly sales.

In addition to the M6, BYD is also introducing new variants of the Dolphin and Atto 3 in Indonesia—the Dolphin Dynamic and the BYD Atto 3 Advanced. Notably, the Atto 3 is marketed as the Yuan Plus in China.

BYD’s entry into the Indonesian passenger car market was marked in January with the launch of the Seal, BYD Dolphin, and Atto 3 models. The company has ambitious plans to invest $1.3 billion in a manufacturing plant with a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, slated to begin operations in 2026, as confirmed by a local official on March 20.

Currently, BYD vehicles sold in Indonesia are imported, with the company delivering its initial batch of 1,000 units on July 2. BYD reported sales of 341,658 NEVs in June, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 35.02% and a slight rise of 2.97% from May. Overseas sales for the same month stood at 26,995 units, showing a substantial year-over-year growth of 156.22%, although this figure represented a 28.01% decrease compared to May.

BYD’s expansion in Indonesia not only strengthens its global presence but also underscores the company’s dedication to promoting sustainable mobility solutions in emerging markets. The introduction of the M6 and other NEV models in Indonesia aligns with BYD’s vision of fostering a cleaner, greener future through innovative electric vehicle technology.