2 weeks Ago
BYD Cars PHL spreads wings with Seagull entry offering, growth plans By Dylan Afuang BYD CARS PHILIPPINES is poised to boost its success even further. The Seagull — the China-headquartered brand’s mini subcompact hatchback, and now its entry-level model here — plays a vital role in the growth plans of the ACMobility-led distributor. Measuring 3,780-mm long, 1,715-mm wide, and 1,580-mm tall, and positioned below the Dolphin, the Seagull GLX is the sole variant and retails at an introductory price of P898,000.
“(The model’s sub-P1-million tag) allows us to target the first-time car buyers, which is a very important segment in the industry, as it is in the motorization phase,” ACMobility Head of Automotive Retail and Distribution Antonio “Toti” Zara III announced during the vehicle’s public unveiling in Parañaque City. Being one of BYD’s battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the Seagull is powered by a single electric motor (74hp, 135Nm of torque) that drives the front wheels. The motor draws charge from a lithium-ion phosphate, 30-kWh BYD Blade battery, which is supposed to be more durable and safe than standard EV batteries and has a quoted range of up to 300km.
A portable charger and a 7-kW wall box charger come as standard with the EV here. The Seagull’s key features that are expected to attract younger clientele include an angular exterior styling, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen that can be rotated horizontally or vertically, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, and even an optional karaoke feature.
“If you look at the total electrified vehicle sales in the (country)...
(of) hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) and new-energy vehicles (NEVs, the umbrella term for electrified vehicles), BYD is the number two brand in the Philippines, Mr. Zara continued, referring to 2023 auto sales figures. “Now the success of BYD Cars Philippines thus far has been driven by the team’s ability to bust the myths surrounding BEV ownership,” the official said.
The company has done so when it offered “competitively-priced BEVs,” and promoted the fuel and maintenance savings consumers can benefit by owning a BYD BEV over an ICE vehicle. Aside from these, the brand is “in the process of busting the myths on range anxiety,” Mr. Zara continued.
He cited the recent local entry of the Sealion plug-in hybrid SUV that boasts a 1,000-km quoted driving range. By the end of 2024, 100 ACMobility EV chargers around the country are expected to be operational, Mr. Zara promised.
“I’m sure you can guess who’s (the) number one (NEV brand locally),” the executive added in jest. “(But) I predict that BYD will challenge for that top spot.” To achieve this, alongside introducing the affordable Seagull, the brand plans to expand its nationwide dealership network.
“In building the brand, it’s important that we build a comprehensive dealer network,” Mr. Zara said. “We are expanding the network from the current eight dealers, to 25 dealers by the end of the year for the growing customer base of BYD.
” The Seagull’s exterior color choices include Sprout Green, Delan Black, and Apricity White. The hatchback also comes with a six-year vehicle or 150,000-km warranty, whichever comes first. Separate warranties for the electric components include an eight-year battery or 150,000-km warranty for the battery and electric motor, respectively.
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