Chinese automaker giant BYD is ramping up deliveries with an estimated 30,000 vehicles expected to arrive across May and June.
BYD Asia Pacific group general manager Mr Liu Xueliang confirmed the massive shipment, backed by the company’s own ship, is part of a push to meet surging demand amid the nation’s fuel crisis.
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Mr Liu said the influx comes as Australians shift away from petrol and diesel.
He said recent events in the Middle East had “completely changed people’s view around energy supply,” fuelling stronger demand for EVs.
“To satisfy the growing demand…in May and June, we’re going to be expecting 30,000 vehicles arriving in Australia,” he said.
The shipment, significantly larger than the company’s typical incoming volume of 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles, signals a major escalation in supply.
The majority of the vehicles incoming will be BYD, with a small portion of its premium brand Denza.
“Out of these 30,000 vehicles, the bigger proportion will be BYD,” Mr Liu said, noting Denza already had sufficient supply.
Unlike rivals, BYD has it’s own roll-on/roll-off shipping fleet and heavily focuses on vertical integration, which allows the company to bring vehicles directly to the country.
Mr Liu said the company plans to use its vessels over the next six months to ensure Australians customer receive vehicles on time, particularly as demand spikes.
“We will use our own vessels to deliver these vehicles to the Australian market, to ensure consumers will get our vehicles on time,” he said.
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The company expects the vast majority of the 30,000 vehicles to be sold quickly, pointing to strong back orders and demand.
Last month, the Chinese automaker achieved a historic milestone in Australia, becoming the country’s third-best-selling car brand with more than 7,000 sales.
Australia has become a critical market for BYD, with the brand on track to deliver its 100,000 vehicles.
Mr Liu acknowledged the role the Australian government was playing amid rising fuel costs.
He said BYD would prioritise supply for essential workers, including healthcare staff and emergency services, as part of the response.
