BYD which is the fastest-growing automaker in the world, having just surpassed Tesla in highest EV sales in Q4, 2023 is just about to witness another major boost in its global sales.
The company’s plant in Uzbekistan has started production with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visiting BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters earlier this week, and together with the Chinese automaker’s Chairman Wang Chanfu, remotely witnessed the start of production at the plant where Song Plus DM-i rolled off the assembly line.
Wang additionally gifted President Mirziyoyev a Yangwang U8, which was the 10,000th new energy vehicle (NEV) that BYD has sold in the Uzbek market. Yangwang is BYD’s premium brand launched in January 2023, with the first model, the state-of-the-art Yangwang U8, going on sale in China in September 2023 at a starting price of 1.098 million yuan ($153,000).
Mirziyoyev said he expects BYD to increase production at its plant in Uzbekistan to further deepen the cooperation. During his visit, President Mirziyoyev witnessed a safety demonstration of BYD’s Blade Battery, gaining insight into the safety and technological aspects of BYD’s products. He also observed the Yangwang U8’s turn-in-place capability at the outdoor intelligent parking demonstration area.
Uzbek President’s visit to BYD
BYD signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Uzavtosanoat JSC (UzAuto) in February 2022, agreeing to study the feasibility of co-producing electric passenger cars and electric buses in Uzbekistan. On December 30, 2022, the company announced that it had signed an agreement with UzAuto to establish a joint venture that will focus on the production of NEVs and their components.
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BYD made its brand debut in Uzbekistan on March 16, 2023, and introduced three models to local consumers: the Han EV pure electric sedan; the Song Plus DM-i hybrid, and the Chazor DM-i, known as the Chaser 05 hybrid in China.
The expansion of BYD into Uzbekistan is part of the company’s broader global strategy. Earlier this month, BYD launched 3 pure EVs in Indonesia and announced a $1.3 billion investment in an automotive factory there, expecting a production capacity of 150,000 units. BYD is also building NEV plants in Thailand, Brazil, and Hungary.
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In addition to manufacturing overseas, the company is increasing exports from China. On January 15, BYD announced that its first car carrier completed loading vehicles and set sail. Called BYD Explorer No. 1 and chartered by BYD, the vessel is its first roll-on roll-off car carrier, measuring 199.9 meters in length and with 7,000 standard parking spaces.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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