Chinese BYD to Launch Showroom in Zambia September 5

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) is set to make a significant mark in the Zambian automotive market with the launch of its first showroom in the country on September 5, 2024. 

This move comes as part of a strategic partnership with Pilatus Electric Mobility Zambia Limited (PEM), aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption in Zambia. 

The BYD Zambia showroom will showcase a range of electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting BYD’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Africa.

Expanding Electric Mobility in Zambia

The establishment of the BYD Zambia showroom marks a pivotal step in the company’s expansion strategy across the African continent. 

The company will initially offer three models in Zambia: the Dolphin, a compact sedan with a range of 420 kilometers; the ATTO 3, a versatile SUV also boasting a 420-kilometer range; and the SEAL, a high-performance sedan with an impressive 570-kilometer range. 

These vehicles are designed to cater to the growing demand for sustainable transportation options in Zambia, aligning with global trends toward electric mobility.

Before the showroom’s official opening, BYD has invested in training a dedicated team to assist customers with their new electric vehicles. 

This initiative underscores BYD’s commitment to customer service and ensures a smooth transition for Zambians into the world of electric driving.

BYD’s Growth and Market Presence

BYD is not just a newcomer in the electric vehicle market; it is China’s best-selling automaker. 

In December 2023, the company reported a remarkable 45% increase in sales, totaling 3,024,417 vehicles for the year, a staggering 61.9% increase from the previous year. 

The momentum continued into August 2024, with BYD achieving total monthly sales of 373,083 New Energy Vehicles. 

This growth trajectory positions BYD as a formidable player in the global EV market.

Zambia is not the first African nation to welcome BYD; the company has a history of expanding its operations across the continent. 

Earlier this year, BYD announced its entry into Rwanda, following its successful launch in Kenya two years prior. 

Additionally, in July 2023, BYD entered the South African market, introducing various models of its ATTO 3.

Collaborations and Local Partnerships

BYD’s strategy in Africa includes forming partnerships with local companies to enhance its market presence. 

Notable collaborations include BasiGo, an EV company utilizing BYD buses, and Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA), which plans to assemble 130 electric vehicles in Kenya from BYD components. 

Furthermore, in June 2024, BYD partnered with Kigali-based Ampersand to develop electric motorcycles, with plans to produce around 40,000 units by the end of 2026.

These partnerships not only facilitate BYD’s expansion but also contribute to local economies and job creation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa.

Read Next: Africa’s Electric Mobility Drive: Chinese EV Manufacturers Seek to Take the Lead

A Personal Journey to Zambia

The journey to bring BYD to Zambia has been a personal endeavor for Tue Nyboe Andersen, Executive Director of BYD. 

He shared his excitement about the venture, stating, “I started the journey of bringing BYD to Zambia four years ago, together with my wife Angelika, and with the encouragement of my father-in-law Joe Huwiler from Pilatus.” 

Andersen’s dedication to this project reflects a broader vision of promoting electric mobility in Zambia, which he believes will significantly impact the country’s transportation landscape. 

The establishment of PEM, the electric mobility arm of Pilatus Engineering, is a testament to this vision.

As the BYD Zambia showroom prepared for its grand opening, the anticipation surrounding this launch signifies a new chapter in Zambia’s automotive industry, paving the way for a greener future and increased accessibility to electric vehicles. 

With the backing of a global leader in electric mobility, Zambians can look forward to a new era of sustainable transportation options.

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