BYD Targets Top-Three Rank in Australia With PHEV Push and Dealer Expansion

Overview

• BYD’s local chief restated an ambition to be on the sales podium within 12–18 months, with the brand sitting eighth year-to-date on 37,923 registrations to September.
• New entries arrive soon with the Atto 1 and Atto 2 in November, followed by Sealion 5 and Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid SUVs in early 2026, plus Denza B5 and B8 as part of six launches where four are PHEVs.
• The network stands at about 90 dealers, with roughly 20 more due by year-end and an optimal national footprint of around 150 to bolster sales, parts and service support.
• Executives say the sales mix is roughly 60 percent PHEV to 40 percent EV, led by the Shark 6 ute, and they signal a short‑term focus on adding more plug‑in hybrids as the Sealion 7 leads EV demand via novated leasing.
• In China, regulators announced a recall of over 115,000 BYD vehicles for design and battery issues, and a camouflaged next‑generation Dolphin was spotted with unconfirmed reports of larger batteries, possible rear‑wheel drive and a Q2 2026 unveiling.