Dolphin Maintains BYD’s Export Leadership for Three Consecutive Months

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In September, BYD demonstrated its export prowess once again by shipping 13,132 units of its compact hatchback, the BYD Dolphin, making it the leading export vehicle for the month. The BYD Yuan Plus (also known as Atto 3) followed closely with 9,277 units shipped, while the sedan BYD Seal recorded 4,803 units in exports.

Dolphin Maintains BYD's Export Leadership for Three Consecutive Months - Car News - 1

The Shenzhen-based automaker continued its export growth streak, with September marking the fourth consecutive month of expansion. The data tracked by CarNewsChina reveals that BYD shipped approximately 10,000 cars in June, 18,000 in July, and 25,000 in August before reaching 28,039 EVs exported in September.

BYD recently embarked on an extensive EV export campaign, targeting multiple new international markets including Japan, Turkey, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and the UK. Notably, the company achieved the status of EV sales champion in several countries it entered last year, such as Israel, Sweden, Thailand, and New Zealand.

Dolphin Maintains BYD's Export Leadership for Three Consecutive Months - Car News - 2

In the year 2023 (from January to September), BYD exported a total of 41,519 Dolphin vehicles, with the majority shipped in the last three months. While the Dolphin gains momentum, it faces stiff competition for the title of the top export vehicle for 2023, currently held by the Yuan Plus (Atto 3), which has exported 71,957 units year-to-date.

The BYD Seal has exported 7,197 units this year, but its growth trajectory is notable, as it tripled overseas deliveries from 1,600 in August to 4,803 in September. Originally positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model 3 in China, BYD’s strategic decision to focus on overseas deliveries for the Seal reflects their adaptability in markets with less intense competition.

In contrast to Tesla, BYD employs a traditional dealership model, allowing for rapid market penetration and flexibility through local dealerships. Additionally, BYD has boldly entered emerging markets, capitalizing on faster-than-expected EV adoption rates.

BYD’s vehicles are known for their no-frills approach, lacking features like lidars, autopilot systems, or smart ADAS software that are often underutilized by the majority of drivers. The company’s vertical integration extends to lithium mining, battery manufacturing, and operation of their ocean transport ships, all aimed at delivering high-value vehicles at reasonable prices. However, this strategy has also led to some of their older models scoring lower in quality tests in China.

To address this, BYD introduced two premium subbrands this year. The flagship brand, YangWang, is renowned for its U8 SUV, capable of floating on water and executing tank turns. The second subbrand, Fang Cheng Bao, is positioned below YangWang.

The race between the BYD Dolphin and Yuan Plus for the top export vehicle of 2023 is one to watch, as both models continue to make their mark in international markets.