BYD Atto 3China’s BYD, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) maker, is preparing a new model specifically for the Indian market as it seeks to strengthen its presence overseas, the company’s executive vice president Stella Li told AFP.
Engineers at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen are working on the design of the model, although the company has not disclosed a launch timeline. The move reflects BYD’s intent to deepen its engagement with India, which it sees as a key growth market.
“We need to put more effort into India,” Li said on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, adding that BYD plans to introduce a model tailored to local market requirements.
She also denied reports that the company is planning to set up a car assembly plant in India, signalling that BYD’s near-term focus remains on product strategy rather than manufacturing investments in the country.
BYD sold 2.26 million electric vehicles last year, overtaking Tesla to become the world’s top EV manufacturer. The company is now targeting a minimum overseas growth rate of 24 per cent this year, equivalent to around 1.3 million vehicles, including hybrids.
The automaker is focusing on expanding its footprint in markets outside the United States, where Chinese vehicle imports face high tariffs.
Market dynamics and technology shift
BYD’s domestic sales have softened following changes in government subsidies for electric vehicles, with January marking the fifth consecutive month of decline.
The company is also betting on longer-range hybrid vehicles to attract customers who remain hesitant about fully electric cars, describing the new hybrids as a potential “game-changer”.
In addition, BYD said it would introduce mechanical door handles in overseas models following China’s move to ban hidden door handles over safety concerns.
