BYD enters Czech Republic and Slovakia as European expansion continues

The first models offered by BYD in the Czech Republic and Slovakia include an all-electric SUV and a hybrid SUV.

BYD aims to have 30 stores in the Czech Republic and 20 in Slovakia by the end of 2025.

BYD has entered the Czech and Slovak automotive markets, continuing its expansion in Europe.

The first models offered by the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker in these two markets are the Sealion 07 EV and Song Plus DM-i, two SUV (sport utility vehicle) models rebranded locally as the Sealion 7 and Seal U DM-i, respectively.

BYD plans to launch the Seal sedan and the compact pure-electric SUV Yuan Plus in the Czech Republic and Slovakia at the right time, according to an announcement made yesterday. The Yuan Plus has been rebranded Atto 3 in several markets.

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The company has opened its first store in the Czech capital, Prague, and expects to open up to 30 stores across the country by the end of 2025.

Through a partnership with local dealer group Auto Impex, BYD's first store in Slovakia will open in the capital Bratislava. It plans to have 20 stores in Slovakia by the end of 2025.

BYD will also work with Auto Louda, Direct Auto, Albion Cars and Auto UH in the Czech Republic to expand its brand presence there, it said.

BYD launched its new battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology platform, the e-Platform 3.0 Evo, and the first model based on it, the Sealion 07 EV, on May 10, 2024 in China.

The Sealion 07, a Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) Model Y competitor, has a starting price of RMB 189,800 ($26,010) in China, with deliveries beginning the same month as the launch.

Since last November, BYD has brought the Sealion 07 to a number of international markets, including Norway, Thailand, India, Mexico and Hungary.

The Song Plus DM-i hybrid SUV currently has a starting price of RMB 135,800 in China.

BYD wants to make sustainable technology available to more consumers, so every new market in Europe is crucial, said Stella Li, the company's executive vice president, according to the announcement yesterday.

BYD ceased production and sales of cars powered entirely by combustion engines in March 2022, switching to a focus on producing plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The company sold 377,420 new energy vehicles (NEVs) in March, up 24.78 percent year-on-year and up 16.90 percent from February, according to figures it announced on April 1.

BYD sold a record 72,723 vehicles overseas in March, up 89.22 percent from a year earlier and up 8.50 percent from February.

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Mar 17, 2025