BYD is poised to significantly expand its presence in the South African automotive market in 2025, with a strategic focus on both passenger and commercial vehicles. Among the key additions to its South African lineup will be the highly anticipated Shark plug-in hybrid pickup truck.
According to Chinese automotive media outlet Bitauto, the launch of the Shark pickup truck in South Africa is imminent, scheduled for early 2025. The official launch ceremony for this model, also known as the BYD Shark 6, is expected to take place later this year, generating significant excitement within the South African automotive landscape.
The BYD Shark pickup truck has already made a global impact, having been initially launched in the Mexican market in 2024. Subsequently, this innovative plug-in hybrid vehicle has expanded its reach to other key markets, including Brazil, Cambodia, and Australia. Notably, the BYD Shark achieved a remarkable feat in Australia, being crowned "Australia's Car of the Year 2024" by News Corp, despite the fact that deliveries had not yet commenced.
The BYD Shark is a formidable contender in the pickup truck segment, boasting substantial dimensions of 5457mm in length, 1971mm in width, and 1925mm in height, underpinned by a robust 3260mm wheelbase. This impressive frame translates into a substantial towing capacity of 2500kg, making it well-suited for a variety of tasks.
At the heart of the Shark lies a powerful hybrid system built on the DMO platform. This advanced system seamlessly integrates a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 429 horsepower and a substantial 650 Nm of torque. This potent combination translates into exhilarating performance, propelling the Shark from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 5.7 seconds.
Further enhancing the Shark's appeal is a 29.6 kWh LFP battery pack, enabling an impressive all-electric range of 100 kilometers under the NEDC standard. When operating in hybrid mode, the Shark boasts an exceptional combined range of 840 kilometers, while maintaining a remarkably fuel-efficient 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers (NEDC).
While the specific pricing for the South African market has yet to be officially announced, the BYD Shark's current pricing in other markets provides some context. In Mexico, the Shark starts at 899,980 pesos (approximately 43,800 USD), while in Brazil, the starting price is 379,800 real (approximately 60,800 USD). In Australia, the Shark is priced at 57,900 AUD.
Beyond the launch of the Shark pickup truck, BYD has ambitious plans for the South African market. The company has confirmed its intention to introduce a diverse range of new models, although the specific details of these upcoming vehicles remain undisclosed. However, BYD South Africa's General Manager, Steve Chang, has revealed the company's strategic focus on introducing an electric vehicle within the highly competitive price range of $16,150 to $18,850. Given the current market dynamics, BYD is likely to prioritize the introduction of additional plug-in hybrid models in South Africa, recognizing the strong demand for this technology in the region.
To further solidify its presence in the South African market, BYD is strategically expanding its dealership network. The company aims to increase the number of dealerships to 25 by the end of 2025, ensuring wider accessibility and convenient customer service for its growing customer base.
Furthermore, BYD is actively pursuing growth in the commercial vehicle sector. A significant milestone was achieved in October 2024 with the securing of a substantial order for 120 buses from Golden Arrow, demonstrating the company's commitment to providing sustainable transportation solutions for the region.
BYD's strategic initiatives in the South African market, including the imminent launch of the Shark pickup truck and the planned introduction of a diverse range of new models, coupled with the expansion of its dealership network and the growing momentum in the commercial vehicle segment, position the company for significant growth and success in the years to come.