China's BYD to enter Korean EV market in early 2025

By Kim Dong-young Posted : November 13, 2024, 15:02 Updated : November 13, 2024, 15:02
Workers check the electric vehicles (EV) inside BYD's first electric vehicle (EV) factory in Southeast Asia in Rayong, Thailand, July 4, 2024. Reuters-Yonhap
 
SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - China's largest electric vehicle maker BYD Co. announced on Wednesday its plans to launch passenger vehicles in South Korea in early 2025.

The company, which surpassed 3 million units in global eco-friendly vehicle sales last year, is currently finalizing its dealer networks and seeking regulatory approvals for its vehicles, subsidiary BYD Korea said.

Industry sources expect the Seal, a mid-sized sedan, to be BYD's first model in South Korea, with the vehicle already undergoing certification processes at multiple government agencies.

"We have conducted thorough reviews with experienced staff and partners to meet the high standards of Korean consumers," said Cho In-chul, head of BYD Korea's passenger car division, who previously led BMW's Mini brand operations in Korea.

BYD, which has been operating in South Korea's commercial vehicle sector since 2016, reported 97.6 trillion won (US$69.3 billion) in revenue for the first three quarters of 2024, an 18.94 percent increase from the same period last year.