Chinese EV maker targets NZ

One of China’s largest electric vehicle (EV) companies has sealed a deal to sell cars in New Zealand, with the first models due to arrive in 2022.

BYD Auto Industry and Australia-based Nexport have signed a long-term agreement to partner in the research and development, and distribution of BYD passenger vehicles on both sides of the ditch. Pre-sales are due to start from July 2021.

Both companies will make engineering and capital investment towards developing the next generation of EVs, with the goal of “delivering high quality electric vehicles at a price parity point to internal combustion engine vehicles”. 

Reports suggest four models – the Han, Song, Qin and Tang – are being considered for the New Zealand and Australian markets.

The agreement is part of BYD’s push to break into markets outside of China with its passenger car range.

Nexport is now the marque’s right-hand drive market distributor within the Asia-Pacific region and the deal is the first third-party agreement of this kind BYD has signed.

Initially, Nexport plans to sell BYD vehicles online only and there are no plans to establish a dealer showroom network.