presented the Seal U DM-i at the Geneva auto show and plans to launch the model in Europe in the second quarter.

(Image credit: BYD)

BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) is showing eight new energy vehicle (NEV) models at the ongoing Geneva auto show, marking its second appearance at a European auto show after last September's Munich auto show.

The Chinese NEV maker displayed the models at the Geneva International Motor Show, which began February 26, and demonstrated its DM-i super hybrid technology to European consumers, according to its press releases yesterday.

BYD presented the DM-i technology-equipped Seal U DM-i -- known in China as the Song Plus DM-i -- at the event and plans to launch the model in Europe in the second quarter.

BYD brought the first generation of DM technology to the Geneva auto show 16 years ago, and after several rounds of technology iterations, today brings the DM-i super hybrid technology, said Michael Shu, general manager of BYD's European automotive sales division.

The 2024 Geneva auto show marks the first time the event has been held since 2019, after it was canceled in 2022 due to deteriorating Covid-19 conditions.

BYD gave its premium brand Yangwang its European debut at the show this year and showcased the brand's first production vehicle, the Yangwang U8 off-road SUV.

BYD officially launched Yangwang on January 5, 2023, aiming for the market with a price tag in the RMB 1 million ($139,000) range.

The Yangwang U8, Yangwang's first production vehicle, went on sale on September 20, 2023, with deliveries beginning on November 24.

The model starts at RMB 1,098,000 and 1,593 vehicles were delivered in December and 1,652 in January, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

On February 25, Yangwang launched the U9 electric supercar in China, the brand's second model, with a starting price of RMB 1.68 million.

Yangwang also revealed the U7 new energy sedan last month, and the model's official launch date has not been set.

In addition, BYD's premium brand Denza showcased the D9 MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) as well as the N7 SUV at the Geneva auto show.

Since announcing its entry into the European passenger car market in September 2022, BYD has launched a number of NEVs in 19 European countries, including Germany, the UK, France, and Norway, with a cumulative total of more than 250 store openings, according to the company.

($1 = RMB 7.1984)

BYD's initial plan for its 2024 sales target is 4 million units, report says