BYD reported its fifth consecutive month of sales growth, selling 463,561 vehicles globally in september. This figure marks a 17% increase compared to september 2025, though the growth rate slightly softened from august's 17,8%. Crucially, exports were a primary driver, with BYD shipping 179,877 passenger cars and pickup trucks overseas in september, a 153,9% surge year-on-year.
Year-to-date, BYD has exported 1,34 million vehicles from these two categories, representing approximately 43% of its total 3,13 million vehicles sold over the nine months. This growing reliance on international markets comes as BYD faces intensifying pressure in its domestic market. Competition over pricing, technology, and charging speed is escalating, with Chinese manufacturers continuously launching new products. For instance, Geely recently introduced a faster charging system, adding pressure on BYD in the electric vehicle segment.
The shift in BYD's sales structure clearly indicates a strategic pivot towards international markets to sustain growth. This trend was evident in august, when the company sold 440,293 vehicles globally, an increase of 17,8%, with exports reaching 189,466 vehicles, up 134,5%. Significantly, in the first half of the year, BYD's revenue from international markets surpassed its revenue in China for the first time.
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The BYD Atto 8 PHEV SUV launched in april 2026 in the South African market. Photo: Business Day |
The BYD Atto 8 PHEV SUV launched in april 2026 in the South African market. Photo: Business Day
Europe, Southeast Asia, and Brazil are emerging as pivotal markets in BYD's expansion strategy. Brazil currently stands as the company's largest market outside China. In a move to adapt to local market specificities, BYD is preparing to produce a biofuel-powered plug-in hybrid model in Brazil.
In Southeast Asia, BYD is also strengthening its presence through expanded sales networks, manufacturing facilities, and a diverse range of electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid models. This comprehensive strategy is designed to lessen the company's dependence on the Chinese market, where the electric vehicle industry is now experiencing a phase of highly intense competition.
For the first nine months of the year, BYD sold a total of 3,13 million vehicles, marking a return to growth in QIII after four consecutive quarters of year-on-year decline. The company has set ambitious targets for continued export expansion, projecting that its overseas shipments could exceed 2,5 million vehicles in 2027.
Hai Dang (according to Reuters)
