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The managing director of BYD’s local distributor is not keeping quiet about his company’s big plans for the new Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid SUV.
Speaking to media this week, EVDirect managing director and executive chairman Luke Todd said that while the new Stamp 6 is entering uncharted waters for the Chinese brand in Australia, he believes BYD’s new SUV is more than a competitor to the market leaders.
“This is effectively a new business arm for us,” Mr Todd said.
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“We now compete with the Toyota RAV4, the Mitsubishi Outlander – some of Australia’s best-selling cars, and we have stronger, newer technology cars that not only last [to rivals] but it can actually surpass them.
“I know that’s a big claim, but test drive it.”
Mr Todd would not be drawn on quoting actual sales forecasts, but BYD’s local distributor boss said this Sealion 6 had a lot of potential as it was the brand’s first proper entry into Australia’s most popular car segment.
“This is the first family SUV we’ve been able to bring to market,” continued Mr. Todd.
“I don’t want to put numbers but the early interest is really strong and the reality is that there is almost a nine month wait [for an equivalent vehicle] from another brand. I’m sure many of these people [waiting] will want to come and test drive and try out [Sealion 6].
“What was announced today [about the dedicated production line for Sealion 6] is because we are so confident in the volume of this product and the reality that we can bring this product to market within six weeks,” added Mr. Todd.
“When you’re looking at a brand, we all know there’s a long waiting list, just like a vehicle [the Sealion 6] which has better technology, newer, and we can actually deliver it,” he appears to be taking another jab at Toyota’s best-selling SUV.
The 2024 BYD Sealion 6 is now on sale in Australia priced from $48,990 before on-road costs.
Formerly known as the Seal U, the Sealion 6 arrives as a PHEV-only midsize to compete with the likes of Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV and MG HS +EV.
A pure electric version is sold in overseas markets such as China and Europe and is believed to be on the wish list for Australia. However, at this stage there is no official confirmation if and when it will come here.
Two plug-in hybrid powertrains are available, with front and all-wheel drive options. Both models can cover over 80 km of all-electric range, and the Sealion 6 AWD is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.
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MORE ▼: 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Price and SpecificationsMORE ▼: 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Review | Fast drivingMORE ▼: All BYD Sealion 6
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