From start-up to global leader: BYD hits 10 Million NEVs production milestone

KUALA LUMPUR: BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and power batteries, recently celebrated three remarkable decades of excellence in the automotive industry. In conjunction with its 30th anniversary, the automaker also achieved a significant production milestone with the rollout of its 10 millionth NEV. 

The ceremony was held at the brand’s Xiaomo Production Base in the Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Zone. During the event, BYD Chairman and President Mr. Wang Chuanfu highlighted the company's journey from a 20-person startup to a global giant with nearly one million employees. 

Notably, BYD took 15 years to achieve the first 5 million NEVs, while the next 5 million were completed in just 15 months, showcasing the automaker’s rapid growth and focus on new energy vehicles.

Mr. Wang further emphasized that “BYD’s success is built on a foundation of bold vision, relentless execution, and unwavering perseverance. The soul of BYD’s engineers is the soul of our company.”

BYD 10 millionth NEV

The 10 millionth BYD vehicle is the newly launched Denza Z9, a luxury sedan officially revealed at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show. The Denza Z9 comes in two drivetrain options: BEV and PHEV, priced at CNY 354,800 (RM 219,194) and CNY 334,800 (RM 206,842), respectively. The new Z9's deliveries will begin in early December in China.

Also read: BYD-owned Denza gets ready for Malaysian debut; official distributor appointed

A brief look at BYD history

• BYD was founded in 1995 in Shenzhen with just 20 employees and a starting capital of CNY 2.5 million (RM 1,544,508). 
• In the initial year, the company produced rechargeable batteries and became the world’s second-largest producer by 1998 and a major supplier for brands like Motorola and Nokia by 2000.
• BYD entered the auto industry in 2003 by acquiring Xi’an Qinchuan Automobile and launched its first car, the F3, in 2005, which became the first Chinese model to sell over 10,000 units monthly.
• Later in 2008, it started producing electric vehicles with the F3e as its first EV. 
• By 2022, the company had achieved the milestone of producing 3 million NEVs. 
• And, now in just two years, the production has grown to 10 million NEVs, setting industry records.
• BYD not only dominates the Chinese NEV market but has expanded rapidly into international markets, including Malaysia. It has become a leader in sustainable mobility and renewable energy.

Speaking of BYD innovation technologies, the company developed the Blade Battery in 2020, which is known for safety and efficiency. To further solidify its lead in the NEV sector, It also created hybrid DM platforms. Over 70% of BYD’s components are made in-house, reducing costs and increasing profits. The company even manages its own shipping to export cars.

Road ahead

BYD is set to invest CNY 100 billion (RM 61 billion) in developing intelligent technologies that integrate artificial intelligence with automotive systems, driving comprehensive upgrades of its entire vehicle lineup. These forthcoming developments will keep BYD at the forefront of technological advancement and maintain a competitive edge in the global EV market.

BYD EVs in Malaysia 

BYD made its Malaysia debut in 2022 with the launch of the Atto 3 electric SUV, followed by the Dolphin hatchback in 2023. This year, the Chinese automaker brought three more electric vehicles to our shores, including the Seal sedan, M6 MPV, and Sealion 7 SUV. The prices of BYD EVs are as follows -  

Models	Variants	Price (on the road, without insurance)
BYD Atto 3	Extended	RM 149,800
BYD Dolphin	Dynamic  Premium	RM 100,530 RM 125,530
BYD Seal	Premium  Performance	RM 163,800 RM 199,800
BYD M6	Standard Extended	RM 109,800 RM 123,800
BYD Sealion 7	Premium  Performance	RM 183,800 RM 199,800

As per the latest vehicle registration data (year-to-date October 2024) published by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the BYD Atto 3 and Seal are the two best-selling electric vehicles in the Malaysian EV market, each with over 2,500 units sold so far this year.

Summing up

In a nutshell, BYD is set to lead the global shift towards electrified mobility with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and technological breakthroughs.

Also read: BYD’s Denza expands to Thailand, launches Denza D9 - Malaysia to get PHEV version?