BYD celebrates two years of unprecedented growth and investments in Europe at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Speaking at BYD’s press conference today at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, emphasized the tremendous progress the company has made since its official European debut at the same event just two years ago.
The Paris Motor Show is one of the leading automotive events in Europe, where biannually, during autumn, car manufacturers have the opportunity to showcase new models and discuss the latest technological advancements. This year, BYD’s focus in Paris is on the European debut of the SEALION 7 and the progress made in the two years since its first appearance at a major European auto show, with a complete lineup of models that visitors will have the chance to explore.
Marking the occasion, BYD’s Executive Vice President, Stella Li, stated: “As the world’s leading new energy technology company, for the past 30 years, we have always believed in using innovation to make technology accessible. Innovation is in our DNA, and we have the largest Research and Development team in the world, with over 102,000 engineers and 11 research institutions globally. We continue to break new records as we move forward; last month, we announced that the 9 millionth new energy vehicle rolled off the production line. It took us 13 years to go from zero to one million. However, it only took us six months to go from seven million to nine million.”
The Powerful SEALION 7 Fulfills its promise to European Customers
The SEALION 7 is a mid-sized fully electric SUV offering performance, practicality, and dynamic design, making it an ideal fit for the European market. It is the eighth new energy model (BEV and PHEV) that BYD will launch in Europe and the latest addition to the Ocean Series lineup, which includes the DOLPHIN, SEAL, and SEAL U.
The SEALION 7 is equipped with BYD’s cutting-edge technologies, including the revolutionary Blade Battery, Cell-to-Body (CTB) structure, and the latest advancements in car interior interfaces. In its all-wheel-drive version, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and with a charging speed of up to 230kW, it is considered a highly practical choice for long-distance travel.
Speaking about the new model, BYD’s Executive Vice President Stella Li stated: “We are confident that the combination of SUV design and layout, Blade Battery technology, range, performance, and rich features will attract many customers across Europe. The SEALION 7 demonstrates how BYD is responding to customer demands and preferences.”
Wide Range of Models for the French Market at the Brand’s Stand
In addition to the SEALION 7, the BYD stand in Paris hosts the French debut of the luxury brand YANGWANG, featuring the incredible U8 SUV model. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to explore BYD’s extensive range of models, including the high-quality cabin of the affordable, urban-oriented DOLPHIN and the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. This technology allows external devices to be powered by energy, and it is also available in the ATTO 3 – the sleek and practical all-electric SUV.
The breadth of BYD’s product portfolio is further reflected in the presence of the stylish, high-tech, all-electric SEAL, which is displayed alongside the SEAL U DM-i, BYD’s first European model featuring the revolutionary Dual Motor–intelligent plug-in hybrid technology (DM-i). This family SUV, recently launched across Europe, offers a potential range of up to 1,080 km, a spacious interior, drastically reduced operating costs, and an impressively comprehensive list of standard equipment.
The public will have the chance to test drive the SEAL U DM-i at the exhibition, while the entire BYD range will be available for test drives at the BYD Test Driver Centre, located right next to the Paris Expo exhibition center.
The Paris anniversary marks two years of rapid expansion
BYD made its European debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2022, initially showcasing three models for customers – the ATTO 3, the HAN, and the TANG.
Now, just 24 months later, dealerships across Europe offer a total of seven vehicles, tailored to market demands. BYD is following a successful path with the DOLPHIN, SEAL, SEAL U, and SEAL U DM-i, with the SEALION 7 soon to be added to these models.
A few weeks before the Paris Show, BYD celebrated the launch of its 300th dealership in Europe. BYD’s footprint in Europe continues to expand, with a presence in 23 markets, following the recent addition of Poland.
BYD’s commitment to providing European customers with efficient new energy vehicles is further demonstrated by its pledge to build two vehicle production facilities in the EU.
Commenting on the progress made in Europe in just two years, Michael Shu, Managing Director of BYD Europe, stated: “In 2022, BYD debuted our brand in Europe at the Paris Motor Show. Never before had three fully electric vehicles been presented here at the same time, showcasing BYD’s respect for the European market. Now, just two years later, we have eight models to offer.”
He added: “Our customers have shown great interest in high-performance SUVs, which is why today, the SEALION 7 is here in Paris. In addition to the Blade Battery, cell-to-body construction, and LFP battery chemistry, it is equipped with the world’s fastest mass-produced electric motor, reaching 23,000 revolutions per minute and 400 rotations per second. We are the only company to have achieved such a record.”
The global workforce now exceeds 900,000 people, with more than 100,000 engineers among them.
Stella Li, the Executive Vice President of BYD, utilized her presentation at the Paris Motor Show to confirm the latest growth figures across the company’s activities. BYD operates in four main sectors – electronics, batteries, vehicles, and rail transportation – and as it approaches its 30th anniversary, the company now employs over 900,000 people worldwide. More than 100,000 of these are engineers, reflecting BYD’s strong commitment to research and development. On average, the company files 32 patent applications and receives 15 approvals for related patents every business day.
Meanwhile, BYD’s passenger vehicle sector continues to grow at an astonishing pace. The company delivered its millionth new energy vehicle (BEV and PHEV) in 2021, and just a few weeks ago, it built its 9 millionth vehicle, marking a new milestone.
As a staunch supporter of sustainable technologies, BYD maintains an unmatched, integrated approach, with applications not only in energy use (vehicles) but also in energy acquisition and storage.
BYD is present at the Paris Motor Show at Pavilion 5.3, stand A42. The exhibition runs from October 14 to 20.
