Johannesburg, 9 July 2026 | As interest in new energy mobility continues to grow in South Africa, BYD Auto South Africa and Absa have elevated their collaboration through BYD Finance, a product of Absa, a strategic cooperation that builds on the relationship first established in 2025.

The cooperation reflects BYD’s commitment to building its presence in South Africa and supporting the next phase of new energy vehicle adoption by making ownership more accessible, more flexible and more achievable for customers, dealers and businesses.

As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of new energy vehicles, BYD brings global technology leadership, advanced battery expertise, product innovation and manufacturing capability to the local market. The extended cooperation with Absa strengthens the ownership ecosystem around the brand by supporting access to vehicle finance, dealer finance, insurance solutions and other value-added services.

Originally announced in 2025, the relationship brought together one of the world’s largest manufacturers of new energy vehicles and one of South Africa’s leading vehicle financiers. Through the extended cooperation, Absa will continue providing vehicle finance and broader banking solutions to support BYD’s dealer network and customers in South Africa, including wholesale finance for dealerships, vehicle finance for customers, insurance solutions and other value-added services.

“South Africa is an important market for BYD, and the pace of development we are seeing in the local new energy vehicle sector is encouraging,” said Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa. “For BYD, this is about more than bringing world-leading vehicles to market. It is about building the ecosystem that helps more South Africans access them. Extending our cooperation with Absa allows us to support customers, dealers and businesses with the finance solutions needed to make new energy mobility more accessible and scalable.”

Between January and May 2026, Absa data shows new energy vehicle sales increased by 78.8% compared with the same period last year, driven by strong growth in both plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), where volumes rose by 681% and 193% respectively. Over the same period, BYD ranked as the country’s second best-selling new energy vehicle brand, with 2,011 units sold year to date.  

“The growth we have seen in our own new energy vehicle finance portfolio over recent years suggests consumer attitudes are changing. While affordability and infrastructure are still important factors, there is growing acceptance of electric mobility, and extending our cooperation with BYD allows us to continue supporting customers as the market develops,” said Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive for Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance.

The cooperation currently supports a network of 52 dealerships nationwide, with BYD targeting 80 dealerships by the end of the year as it expands its dealer network in South Africa. It also creates scope for Absa to support BYD’s growth ambitions beyond South Africa by exploring financial solutions and business relationships in markets where BYD is already present, as well as countries where it may seek to establish a presence.

This aligns with Absa’s Pan-African ambition and the strength of its regional platform, with the bank represented in 14 countries across the continent, including banking licences in 11 markets and representative offices in three.  

While new energy vehicles still account for a relatively small share of South Africa’s overall vehicle market, adoption has accelerated in recent years as model availability has improved and consumers have become more familiar with the technology. BYD’s growing local presence has contributed to this trend, bringing a wider range of electric and new energy vehicle options to the South African market.

Founded in 1995 as a battery technology company, BYD sold more than 4.27 million new energy passenger vehicles globally in 2024 and has continued to expand its international footprint. In South Africa, the manufacturer now offers a range of electric vehicle models across different market segments.  

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Johannesburg, 11 December 2025 | BYD Auto South Africa is thrilled to announce that its innovative Dolphin Surf and Shark 6 models have been nominated for the prestigious 2026 South African Car of the Year Awards.

The nominations come fresh off the back of BYD’s massively successful launch of the Sealion 5, which has drawn national attention for its blend of performance, safety, and next-generation electric innovation. With demand surging across the country and consumers increasingly embracing new energy vehicles (NEVs), BYD has quickly distinguished itself as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing and most disruptive automotive brands.

In just a short time, BYD has made major waves in South Africa, expanding from a newcomer to a formidable player since arriving in the country in 2023. The company’s focus on affordable, sustainable NEVs has resonated with local consumers, driving record sales and positioning BYD as a leader in the shift toward electric and hybrid mobility amid South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.  

Why the BYD Shark 6 and BYD Dolphin Surf Are Turning Heads

BYD’s Shark 6, a super-hybrid that redefines versatility for adventure-seekers and professionals alike. Equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo hybrid engine paired with the Blade Battery, it boasts an impressive 321 kW of power and robust torque for towing and off-road capabilities. As South Africa’s first plug-in hybrid pickup in its class, the Shark offers exceptional fuel efficiency, low ownership costs, and eco-friendly performance without compromising on rugged utility. Its innovative design includes sustainable materials and intelligent features like hyper-local navigation, making it a pioneer in blending traditional bakkie toughness with modern electrification, perfect for South Africa’s diverse terrains from urban streets to rural farms.

Meanwhile, the Dolphin Surf, BYD’s compact electric hatchback, stands out as a game-changer for urban commuters with its blend of efficiency, safety, and smart technology. Powered by BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery (38.88 kWh capacity), it delivers a driving range of up to 295 km on a single charge, with fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Key specs include 75 HP of power, 135 Nm of torque, a 0-50 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 130 km/h. Built on the e-Platform 3.0, it features advanced safety systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), and Auto Hold. Its spacious interior offers a boot capacity of 316 litres (expandable to 1,037 litres), making it ideal for city living. Priced accessibly, the Dolphin Surf democratises EV ownership in South Africa, reducing running costs and emissions while appealing to tech-savvy drivers with features like voice search optimisation in multiple local languages.

These models build directly on the momentum of the Sealion 5, BYD’s plug-in hybrid SUV that launched in early December 2025 as the country’s most affordable PHEV, starting at R499,900. With a five-year/100,000 km warranty and class-leading specs like seamless hybrid transitions and advanced driver assistance, the Sealion 5 has already shaken up the hybrid market, attracting widespread acclaim for its value and performance.

“These nominations are a tremendous honour for BYD and a clear sign of how quickly South Africans are embracing the future of mobility,” said Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa. “Coming off the incredible reception to the Sealion 5, we’re proud to be transforming the local automotive scene with vehicles that offer cutting-edge technology, affordability, and environmental benefits. Both the Dolphin Surf and the Shark represent BYD’s commitment to innovation, safety, and accessible electric technology. Their recognition at the Car of the Year Awards shows that South Africa is ready for smarter, cleaner, and more advanced vehicles, and we are proud to help lead that transition.”

BYD’s rapid growth in South Africa reflects its global leadership in new energy vehicles, now customised for local roads and lifestyles, delivering affordable, innovative mobility solutions that reduce emissions and fuel costs for everyday drivers. These nominations for the Dolphin Surf and Shark not only celebrate BYD’s engineering excellence but also highlight the brand’s transformative impact on the local automotive industry, accelerating the adoption of sustainable transport and empowering communities with reliable, eco-friendly options tailored to South Africa’s unique needs.

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