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I previous wrote about BYD’s sales transition in China, with the new Sealion 06 poised to replace the Song Plus model at Ocean dealerships. As anticipated, Sealion 06 sales took off in the model’s first month to become BYD’s second best-selling model, the best-selling model in the Sealion family, and one of the best-selling vehicles in China overall. However, new reports of increasing orders indicate limited supply.
According to reports, over 100,000 Sealion 06 EV models have been ordered. This model ranges from 143,800 to 163,800 RMB ($20,200 to $23,000 USD). Of the orders, 85% are reported to be top-spec models with 605 km of range, loaded with features. According to the reports, a major motivation is the advanced suspension integrating BYD’s DiSus-C “intelligent body control” system, a form of active dampening. While similar systems have existed on other models, they typically have not shown up in vehicles at this price point.
Image Credit: BYD
Unlike some EV launches that start preorders long before the first deliveries, the order books for the Sealion 06 opened as sales started. However, the rollout to local markets happened gradually over the last month, and some user posts on RedNote indicate very limited supply. It should also be noted that the Sealion 06 is available in BEV and PHEV (aka, DM-i) form, with only the EV order count mentioned. Unlike the Song Plus, BEV sales have been higher than PHEV sales for the Sealion 06. This reflects an overall sales for BYD this year, with BEV sales up and PHEV sales down. In addition, only 2WD models have been available at launch, with AWD models anticipated to be introduced in the future. And the model is also expected to eventually make it to countries outside of China.
Image Credit: BYD
In terms of the Song Plus, it has changed its name and largely moved on to other areas, like the south of Europe. It has become the best-selling vehicle with a plug and has driven BYD growth to the top of the NEV sales charts in several markets, such as in Italy, where BYD jumped into 1st place with sales up 2573.58% in the first half of the year.
Overall, the sales transition is happening. New models are also coming out rapidly from other automakers and within BYD. Overall, NEV market penetration hit 55.3% last month, and the competition is intensifying. While all signs indicate that the new Sealion 06 will be a massive hit for BYD, the market is dynamic. This will be an interesting one to watch.
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