Editing BYD Auto (section)

==History==

=== 2003–2008: Establishment and early years ===
BYD Company was founded in 1995 as a battery manufacturer. In January 2003, BYD Company founder [[Wang Chuanfu]] founded BYD Auto after acquiring and renaming a dwindling small automotive manufacturing company, Xi'an Qinchuan Automobile, from a [[State ownership|state-owned]] [[Arms industry|defense]] company [[Norinco]]. The company was acquired for [[Hong Kong dollar|HK$]]269 million in exchange for a 77% stake, shortly after BYD raised HK$1.6 billion on the [[Hong Kong Stock Exchange]] in July 2002.<ref name="Sina Finance-2023">{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-08-19 |title=当下的比亚迪，能不能代表中国汽车？ |trans-title=Can current BYD represent Chinese automobiles? |url=https://finance.sina.cn/stock/relnews/hk/2023-08-19/detail-imzhtrfw0743695.d.html |access-date=2023-12-25 |website=Sina Finance}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Thraen|first=Joachim Jan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bD2sDAAAQBAJ&q=tsinchuan++byd+company&pg=PA115|title=Mastering Innovation in China: Insights from History on China's Journey towards Innovation|date=2016-07-13|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-3-658-14556-9|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Wang|first1=Jiazhuo G.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jz-5BAAAQBAJ&q=buffet+byd+auto&pg=PA15|title=Who Gets Funds from China's Capital Market?: A Micro View of China's Economy via Case Studies on Listed Chinese SMEs|last2=Yang|first2=Juan|date=2014-01-13|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-3-642-44913-0|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Anne C. Lee |date=17 February 2010 |title=Most Innovative Companies - 2010: BYD |url=http://www.fastcompany.com/mic/2010/profile/byd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217170916/http://www.fastcompany.com/mic/2010/profile/byd |archive-date=17 February 2012 |publisher=Fast Company}}</ref> The acquisition was met with disapproval from shareholders, as the plan was not disclosed in the [[Prospectus (finance)|prospectus]].<ref name="Breevoort-2021">{{Cite web |last=Breevoort |first=Leo |date=2021-08-01 |title=The Big Read: History of BYD |url=https://carnewschina.com/2021/08/01/the-big-read-history-of-byd/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=CarNewsChina.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Wang Chuanfu acquired Qinchuan with the intention of developing battery-powered electric vehicles, leveraging BYD's expertise in battery manufacturing.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=White |first1=Edward |last2=Campbell |first2=Peter |date=2022-07-09 |title=The 'nutty' professor behind rise of China's electric vehicle giant |url=https://www.ft.com/content/367af909-5cdb-4780-a577-b84f815bcddd |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=Financial Times |publisher=The Financial Times Limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-12-11 |title=比亚迪F3DM将上市 王传福称比亚迪是象征-搜狐汽车 |trans-title=BYD F3DM will be listed on the market Wang Chuanfu said BYD is a symbol |url=https://auto.sohu.com/20081211/n261157111.shtml |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Auto Sohu}}</ref> As Qinchuan had been manufacturing cars since 1987, the purchase gave BYD access to car manufacturing technology and an automobile production license that was difficult to obtain at that time.<ref name="Schenau">{{cite web |last=Van Ingen Schenau |first=Eric |date=2008 |title=Catalogue of the Present Chinese Motorcar Production |url=http://file.cio360.net/s/f/2009/1252913169mka5f.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104325/http://file.cio360.net/s/f/2009/1252913169mka5f.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 |publisher=China Motor Vehicle Documentation Centre |page=36 |location=Ortaffa, France}}</ref><ref>{{citation |last=Chang |first=Crystal |title=Developmental Strategies in a Global Economy: The Unexpected Emergence of China's Independent Auto Industry |date=2009-08-09 |page=13 |ssrn=1450117}}</ref> At the time of the acquisition, Qinchuan was producing a small car called the QCJ7181 Flyer, which BYD renamed to [[BYD Flyer]] from 2005. Limited capacity at the former Qinchuan manufacturing plant in [[Xi'an|Xi'an, Shaanxi]] prompted BYD to construct a new manufacturing plant in the Xi'an Development Zone within the city.<ref name="Quartz-2018">{{Cite web |date=2018-12-13 |title=Inside BYD—the world's largest maker of electric vehicles |url=https://qz.com/1492853/inside-byd-largest-electric-vehicles-maker |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=Quartz |language=en}}</ref>

The first car developed by BYD, codenamed 316, was rejected by dealers due to its poor styling and was scrapped before reaching the market, writing off [[CN¥]]100 million of [[research and development]] (R&D) expenses as a result.<ref name="Mehta-2021">{{Cite web |last=Mehta |first=Adesh |date=2021-04-25 |title=BYD: How the Former EV Pioneer Will Win the New Battle |url=https://medium.com/batterybits/byd-how-the-former-ev-pioneer-will-win-the-new-battle-92f989067ef5 |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=BatteryBits (Volta Foundation) |language=en}}</ref> Wang Chuanfu personally smashed the [[prototype]] to destroy it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-04-24 |title=王传福忍痛砸毁316 比亚迪孤注一掷F3-搜狐汽车 |trans-title=Wang Chuanfu reluctantly smashed the BYD 316, went all-in on the F3 |url=https://auto.sohu.com/20060424/n242961914.shtml |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=Auto Sohu}}</ref> The company instead developed the [[BYD F3]] sedan, which entered production on 16 April 2005, with an affordable price tag of CN¥73,000 (approximately US$10,000). Bearing resemblance to the [[Toyota Corolla]] with a lower price, the F3 quickly gained popularity and became a successful model with over 63,000 units sold that year.<ref name="Quartz-2018" /><ref name="Mehta-2021" /> The 100,000th F3 rolled off the assembly line on June 18, 2007, just 20 months after production began. Following this success, the larger [[BYD F6]] sedan, which was modelled after the [[Honda Accord]], entered production in August 2007.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wang |first1=Hua |last2=Kimble |first2=Chris |date=2010 |title=Betting on Chinese electric cars? &ndash; analysing BYD's capacity for innovation |url=http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=31457 |journal=International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management |language=en |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=77 |doi=10.1504/IJATM.2010.031457 |issn=1470-9511|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McNabb |first=Mark |date=2014-12-21 |title=2014 BYD F6 |url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/byd/2014-byd-f6/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=TopSpeed |language=en |quote=Modeled after the Honda Accord, the car does share some similarities with the Accord’s exterior, but overall has its own BYD flavor.}}</ref> Initially, BYD cars are equipped with Chinese-built [[Mitsubishi Motors]] older engines, but within a few years, BYD Auto created its own engines by improving Mitsubishi Motors engine blueprints.<ref name="Breevoort-2021" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ally |date=2007-07-20 |title=BYD Auto to launch F6, F8 within 2007 |url=https://autonews.gasgoo.com/Detail2020.aspx?ArticleId=2673 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Gasgoo}}</ref><ref name="1miModel3">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2008-01-14 |title=BYD Auto Introduces Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in Detroit; On Sale This Year in China |url=https://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/01/byd-auto-introd.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Green Car Congress |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Kevin |date=2022-11-10 |title=Driving the BYD Atto 3 Proves China Is a Major Automotive Threat |url=https://jalopnik.com/byd-atto-3-first-drive-chinese-electric-crossover-1849766606 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Jalopnik |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:2009 BYD F3 1.5L, front 8.3.18.jpg|thumb|The [[BYD F3]], the first vehicle designed by BYD was produced in 2005–2019]]
During its early years, BYD Auto achieved growth by [[reverse engineering]] competitors products and supplier parts, and maintaining strong control over costs. The first mass-produced passenger car from BYD, the BYD F3 is considered "a copycat" of the [[Toyota Corolla]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kasperk |first1=Garnet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bkRuAwAAQBAJ&dq=tsinchuan++byd+company&pg=PA140 |title=Internationalization of Chinese Automobile Companies |last2=CIAM |first2=RWTH Aachen University Center for International Automobile Management |date=July 2012 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-4478-3954-5 |language=en}}</ref> The [[BYD F0]] small car was described as "a clear copy" of the [[Toyota Aygo]],<ref>{{cite web |date=2008-03-05 |title=BYD's bid to break the Chinese mould |url=https://www.easier.com/2715-byd-s-bid-to-break-the-chinese-mould.html |access-date=21 April 2019 |website=Easier.com}}</ref> and the [[BYD S8]] has a similar appearance to the [[Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230)|Mercedes-Benz SL-Class]], with features an "almost identical" [[Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209)|Mercedes-Benz CLK]] front-end and [[Renault Mégane#Mégane III (2008–2016)|Renault Megane CC]] rear.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 April 2009 |title=BYD S8 Convertible: A Chinese Chopstick Dumpling Deathtrap |url=https://jalopnik.com/byd-s8-convertible-a-chinese-chopstick-dumpling-deatht-5213003 |access-date=21 April 2019 |website=Jalopnik}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Raja |first=Siddarth |date=26 June 2018 |title=Another Chinese copy, the BYD F8 |url=https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1028623_another-chinese-copy-the-byd-f8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626135950/https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1028623_another-chinese-copy-the-byd-f8 |archive-date=26 June 2018 |website=MotorAuthority}}</ref> Wang Chuanfu responded by claiming the company only uses "non-[[patent]]ed technologies".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-11 |title=比亚迪「格局」刷屏，500 万辆新能源汽车助它当国产汽车大哥 |trans-title=BYD's "pattern" refreshes the screen, 5 million new energy vehicles help it become the big brother of domestic automobiles |url=https://www.ifanr.com/1558221 |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=爱范儿 |language=zh-CN}}</ref> In 2009, the US government had been advised by its [[Consulate General of the United States, Guangzhou|consulate general in Guangzhou, China]], that BYD uses an approach of "copying and then modifying car designs." However, according to the consul, BYD had modified the vehicles designs significantly enough to convince Chinese courts that the company has not infringed on patents.<ref name=":7">{{cite web |date=9 March 2011 |title=Special Report: Warren Buffett's China car deal could backfire |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wiki-buffett-byd/special-report-warren-buffetts-china-car-deal-could-backfire-idUSTRE72848X20110309 |access-date=21 April 2019 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref>[[File:BYD 01.JPG|thumb|The BYD stand at the 2009 Central China High-Tech Fair in [[Shenzhen]]]]

In 2005, BYD Auto contributed 10% to BYD Company's revenue. As its automotive business grew, by 2006, BYD Auto's contribution increased to 25%. In the first half of 2009, BYD Auto accounted for 55% of its parent company total revenue, marking the first time it contributed more than half of the company's earnings.<ref name="Sina Finance-2023" /> By 2008, BYD Auto owned two vehicle assembly manufacturing plants in [[Xi'an]] and in [[Shenzhen]] with a production capacity of 300,000 units per year, an R&D and testing center in [[Shanghai]], and a [[Molding (process)|moulding]] plant in [[Beijing]].<ref name="1miModel3" />

After years of sales growth, widespread withdrawal of BYD [[Car dealership|dealerships]] were reported in large Chinese cities during 2010 due to excessively rapid expansion, limited model range, and [[internal competition]] that presented difficulties for dealers. It was exacerbated by BYD's focus on production capacity over quality. BYD responded by adjusting its annual production target from 800,000 to 600,000 vehicles, but fell short, reaching only 517,000 vehicles that year. In the subsequent three years, BYD shifted its attention to resolving concerns related to quality, dealership channels, and brand promotion.<ref name="Sina Finance-2023" />

=== 2006–2020: New energy vehicle efforts and sales stagnation ===
[[File:Picture of BYD's first electric car, BYD-001.png|thumb|Picture of BYD's first experimental electric vehicle, labeled the "BYD-001".]]
BYD began exploring hybrid and electric vehicles as early as 1997, before acquiring Xi'an Qinchuan Automobile. In that year, Wang Chuanfu, as part of his research into electric vehicles, purchased a BJ6490D, an electric car made by [[BAW|Beijing Second Auto Works]] that was built off an imported [[knock-down kit]] of the [[Holden Commodore (VN)|Holden Commodore VN]] station wagon. The BJ6490D was powered by [[golf cart]] batteries, with a range of about {{convert|100|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} and a top speed of {{convert|92|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}. Later, BYD acquired a second BJ6490D, which was subsequently converted into a hybrid vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newton |first=Bruce |date=2020-05-26 |title=Was this VN Holden Commodore the first EV in China? |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/was-chinas-first-ev-a-vn-holden-commodore-124410/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Carsales |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newton |first=Bruce |date=2020-05-27 |title=Holden Commodore was a Chinese EV! |url=https://evcentral.com.au/holden-commodore-was-a-chinese-ev/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=EV Central |language=en-US}}</ref>

At the 2004 [[Beijing Auto Show]], alongside its petrol-powered concept cars, BYD unveiled the BYD Flyer EF3, an electric sedan. Based on the BYD Flyer, the Flyer EF3 was initially intended for production in 2005, with a focus on serving as a taxi in Shenzhen. However, this plan did not materialise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=de Feijter |first=Tycho |date=2020-08-03 |title=China Concept Cars: The 2004 BYD Flyer Variants |url=https://chinacarhistory.com/2020/08/03/china-concept-cars-the-2004-byd-flyer-variants/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=ChinaCarHistory |language=en-US}}</ref> Two years later at the 2006 Beijing Auto Show, BYD showcased another electric car called the BYD F3e. Based on the BYD F3, the car had an [[all-electric range]] of more than {{convert|300|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}, and was planned to be produced within 3 years from 2007. In December 2010, a BYD Auto general manager confirmed that the company had cancelled plans for its production due to the lack of support in charging infrastructure.<ref name="Beissmann-2010">{{Cite news |last=Beissmann |first=Tim |date=2010-12-07 |title=BYD F3e EV production plans abandoned |url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/byd-f3e-ev-production-plans-abandoned/ |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=Drive}}</ref>

In 2006, BYD established the Electric Vehicle Research Institute, an internal entity dedicated for the R&D and trial production of parts for new energy vehicles and the whole vehicle, including battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.<ref name=":0" />

In 2008, Wang Chuanfu set a goal for the company to become the leader in the Chinese automotive market by 2015, and to become the largest car manufacturer globally by 2025.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2008-12-18 |title=王传福："两个第一"的目标不是凭空捏造-搜狐汽车 |trans-title=Wang Chuanfu: The goals of "two firsts" are not fabricated out of thin air |url=https://auto.sohu.com/20081218/n261286939.shtml |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Auto Sohu}}</ref> Wang stated that electric vehicles would serve as BYD's "stepping stone" to skip the development of internal combustion engine vehicles and facilitate the company's entry into international markets, including Europe and North America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-10-20 |title=王传福：比亚迪将直接跨越到电动汽车-搜狐汽车 |trans-title=Wang Chuanfu: BYD will leap directly to electric vehicles |url=https://auto.sohu.com/20081020/n260123623.shtml |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Auto Sohu}}</ref>
[[File:2008 BYD F3DM.png|thumb|The 2008 [[BYD F3DM]] at the BYD Museum. It is the first modern, mass-produced [[plug-in hybrid]] vehicle globally.]]
In March 2008, the [[plug-in hybrid|plug-in hybrid electric]] version of the BYD F3, the [[BYD F3DM|F3DM]], was introduced as the world's first [[production model]] plug-in hybrid car at the [[Geneva Motor Show]] in Switzerland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fallah |first=Alborz |date=2008-03-04 |title=BYD stand 2008 Geneva Motor Show |url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/byd-stand-2008-geneva-motor-show/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Drive |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="Anderson-2012">{{Cite book|last=Anderson|first=G. E.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OnlQzQV5qdEC&q=byd+f3&pg=PA153|title=Designated Drivers: How China Plans to Dominate the Global Auto Industry|date=2012-06-19|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-1-118-32885-9|language=en}}</ref> Initially, the F3DM was offered in China as a [[fleet vehicle]] for governments, banks and other institutions, until [[Retail|retail sales]] started in March 2010 when the Chinese government started granting subsidies for new energy vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |author=Scott Doggett |date=23 March 2010 |title=BYD Auto to Offer F3DM Plug-in Hybrid to Chinese Individuals Starting Next Week |url=http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2010/03/byd-auto-to-offer-f3dm-plug-in-hybrid-to-chinese-individuals-starting-next-week.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330091520/http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2010/03/byd-auto-to-offer-f3dm-plug-in-hybrid-to-chinese-individuals-starting-next-week.html |archive-date=30 March 2010 |publisher=AutoObserver}}</ref> The vehicle had low sales, with only 100 units sold by 2011.<ref name=":7" />

In January 2009, BYD introduced its first production battery electric vehicle, the e6 at the 2009 [[North American International Auto Show]] in [[Detroit]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Filipponio |first=Frank |date=2009-01-12 |title=Detroit 2009: BYD e6 - world's first production dual-mode plug-in hybrid crossover |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-byd-e6-is-worlds-first-production-dual-mode-plug/ |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=Autoblog |language=en}}</ref> It is powered by a battery pack codenamed "Fe", which provides a claimed electric range of {{convert|400|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Popa |first=Bogdan |date=2009-01-13 |title=2009 BYD e6, World's First Production Pure Electric Vehicle |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2009-byd-e6-world-s-first-production-dual-mode-plug-in-hybrid-3220.html |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=autoevolution |language=en}}</ref> While plans to sell the vehicle to the general public in the US were shelved, the company sold the e6 in the US as a [[fleet vehicle]] in a limited number.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-08-22 |title=BYD Plans Limited Introduction of e6 EV in US Next Year |url=https://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/08/byde6-20090822.html |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=Green Car Congress}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingram |first=Antony |date=2013-05-08 |title=BYD e6 Chinese Electric Car Won't Be Sold To Consumers In U.S. |url=https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1084033_byd-e6-chinese-electric-car-wont-be-sold-to-consumers-in-u-s |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=Green Car Reports |language=en}}</ref><ref name="feb2016">{{cite news |last=King |first=Danny |date=2016-02-27 |title=BYD plug in sales grow globally, but US future remains cloudy |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2016/02/27/byd-plug-in-sales-grow-globally-us-future-uncertain/ |access-date=2024-04-01 |work=[[Autoblog.com]]}}</ref>

In May 2009, [[Volkswagen AG]] considered forming a partnership with BYD in the area of hybrids and electric vehicles, having signed a [[memorandum of understanding]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-05-26 |title=Volkswagen Signs MoU with BYD Auto to Explore Hybrid, Electric Vehicle Development |url=https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/country-industry-forecasting.html?id=106595494 |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=S&P Global}}</ref> Volkswagen withdrew from the partnership after conducting [[due diligence]].<ref name=":7" /> 
[[File:Byd e6 crossover1.jpg|thumb|The [[BYD e6]], showcased at the 2010 [[North American International Auto Show]] in [[Detroit]], US]]
In July 2009, BYD acquired Hunan [[Midea Group|Midea]] Coach Company, a bus manufacturer based in [[Hunan]], allowing it to manufacture buses and coaches and enter the commercial vehicle market. The plant in [[Changsha, Hunan]], reportedly received a CN¥ 3 billion investment for development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-06 |title=BYD aims to strengthen presence in Europe through contracts with transport authorities |url=https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/country-industry-forecasting.html?id=1065998857 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=S&P Global}}</ref> BYD started producing [[Electric bus|battery electric buses]] as part of a pilot scheme initiated by the Chinese government.<ref name="O-2022" /> It signed a deal to supply 1,000 [[BYD K9]] electric buses to the [[Hunan]] Government in China. The buses have a range of {{convert|305|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} per charge with a top speed of {{convert|70|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}, a charging time of six hours and 50% fast charging in 30 minutes.<ref name="Beissmann-2010" />

In 2010, BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. and Daimler AG, now known as [[Mercedes-Benz Group AG]], formed a 50-50 [[joint venture]] named Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology with a brand named [[Denza]] to focus on research and development of new energy vehicles. The brand showcased a concept car called the Denza EV at [[Auto China]] in April 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-04-23 |title=Daimler/BYD joint venture introduces DENZA EV concept at Auto China 2012; BYD introduces new dual-mode Qin |url=https://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/04/denza-20120423.html |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=Green Car Congress}}</ref> Denza was later restructured in 2021, when BYD took control of the brand by taking a 90% stake in the venture.<ref name="O-2022">{{Cite web |last=O |first=Meemi |date=2022-07-27 |title=Introducing BYD (Part 1) |url=https://www.investorinsights.asia/post/introducing-byd-part-1 |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=Investor Insights |language=en}}</ref> Mercedes-Benz withdrew entirely from the joint venture in September 2024.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |date=2024-09-16 |title=【图】腾势汽车正式告别合资公司，奔驰低调退出_汽车之家 |trans-title=BYD Denza officially bids farewell to the joint venture, and Mercedes-Benz quietly withdraws |url=https://www.autohome.com.cn/news/202409/1300536.html#pvareaid=102624 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Autohome}}</ref>

In August 2013, BYD launched the Dynasty Series product line with the introduction of the [[BYD Qin]], a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle variant of the petrol-engine [[BYD Surui]]. The Qin was designed to replace the [[BYD F3DM]], an earlier plug-in hybrid model. The Qin quickly became the best-selling plug-in electric vehicle of early 2014.<ref>{{cite news |date=2014-03-20 |title=BYD's QIN is announced "China's Q1-2014 Best-Selling Electric Vehicle" and the Quarter is not even over |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140320006293/en/BYD%E2%80%99s-QIN-is-announced-%E2%80%9CChina%E2%80%99s-Q1-2014-Best-Selling-Electric-Vehicle%E2%80%9D-and-the-Quarter-is-not-even-over |accessdate=2022-04-17 |publisher=[[Business Wire]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Danny King |date=2012-04-19 |title=BYD's Qin sedan will replace poor-selling F3DM |url=http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/byds-qin-sedan-will-replace-poor-selling-f3dm/ |access-date=2012-04-21 |publisher=Autoblog Green}}
</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2012-04-22 |title=Daimler/BYD joint venture introduces DENZA EV concept at Auto China 2012; BYD introduces new dual-mode Qin |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/04/denza-20120423.html |access-date=2012-04-25 |publisher=Green Car Congress}}
</ref>

In November 2016, the company hired [[Wolfgang Egger]] as BYD Auto's head of design. Egger, who built his career at [[Alfa Romeo]], [[Audi]], and [[SEAT]], created his first design for BYD, the Dynasty concept, a concept electric SUV that was displayed at the 2017 [[Shanghai Auto Show]] and previewed the design of the [[BYD Tang#Second generation (2018)|second-generation BYD Tang]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ansari |first=Usman |date=2017-05-20 |title=Audi Design Head Joins BYD of China |url=https://carspiritpk.com/audi-design-head-joins-byd-china/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=CarSpiritPK |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sieren |first=Frank |date=2021-04-22 |title='As a designer, you have more room to maneuver in a Chinese company' • China.Table |url=https://table.media/china/en/feature/as-a-designer-you-have-more-room-to-maneuver-in-a-chinese-company/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=China.Table |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maillard |first=Chris |date=2016-11-07 |title=Who's Where: Wolfgang Egger hired by BYD |url=https://www.cardesignnews.com/whos-where/whos-where-wolfgang-egger-hired-by-byd/30914.article |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Car Design News |language=en}}</ref>

Before 2020, BYD heavily relied on [[government subsidies]] to generate profit from its plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. In 2016, the company received approximately [[United States dollar|US$]]1 billion in [[Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles|new energy vehicle subsidies]], surpassing its net profit for that year, and accounted for over 20% of BYD's US$5 billion in revenue from new energy vehicle sales that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huang |first=Echo |date=2019-03-26 |title=Beijing gave its biggest electric-vehicle maker $1 billion in help toward a single year of sales |url=https://qz.com/1579568/how-much-financial-help-does-china-give-ev-maker-byd |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Quartz |language=en}}</ref> Rhodium Group estimates that BYD received approximately US$4.3 billion in state support between 2015 and 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cheng |first=Evelyn |last2=Kharpal |first2=Arjun |date=2024-01-04 |title=Musk once laughed off BYD as a threat. Now the Chinese giant has taken Tesla's EV crown — here's how |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/05/how-byd-grew-from-a-phone-battery-maker-to-ev-giant-taking-on-tesla.html |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

Between 2017 and 2019, BYD faced challenges due to a reduction in government subsidies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kawase |first=Kenji |date=2019-04-24 |title=For some Chinese companies, generous state subsidies make up for losses |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Cover-Story/For-some-Chinese-companies-generous-state-subsidies-make-up-for-losses |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=Nikkei Asian Review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Haley |first=Usha C. V. Haley and George T. |date=25 April 2013 |title=How Chinese Subsidies Changed the World |url=https://hbr.org/2013/04/how-chinese-subsidies-changed |journal=Harvard Business Review |via=hbr.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Huang |first=Echo |date=2018-08-29 |title=The worst is not yet over for BYD |url=https://qz.com/1368687/the-worst-is-not-yet-over-for-byds-earnings/ |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=Quartz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Huang |first=Echo |date=2019-08-07 |title=Beijing's subsidy cut is starting to hurt China's largest electric car company |url=https://qz.com/1683042/beijings-subsidy-cut-is-starting-to-its-largest-evE-maker-byd/ |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=Quartz}}</ref> This led to a significant slowdown in sales and a sharp decline in net profit over three consecutive years. In 2019, the company's net profit dropped to only CN¥1.6 billion. During this period, Wang Chuanfu stated that the company's primary goal was merely "to survive".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-08 |title=回顾创业艰辛几度哽咽，比亚迪王传福："真的差点就走不下去了" |trans-title=Looking back on the hardships of starting a business, he choked up several times. BYD Wang Chuanfu said: "I almost couldn't go on." |url=https://m.yicai.com/news/101831534.html |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=m.yicai.com}}</ref>

=== 2020–present: Rapid growth and global expansion ===
BYD experienced a substantial surge in vehicle sales from 2020 to 2024. The company sold 4,272,145 vehicles globally in 2024, a ten-fold increase compared to the 2020 figure of 427,302 vehicles. The increase was partly attributed to the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles in China, which accounted for 27.5% of vehicle sales in China in 2022, up from 5.8% in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-09 |title=【图】问道掌门人{{!}}"禁燃"后 比亚迪开挂狂奔_汽车之家 |trans-title=Ask the boss {{!}} BYD cheated and ran wild after the "burning ban" |url=https://www.autohome.com.cn/news/202305/1284313.html |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Autohome}}</ref><ref name="O-2023">{{Cite web |last=O |first=Meemi |date=2023-04-27 |title=Introducing China's Auto Industry (Part 1) |url=https://www.investorinsights.asia/post/introducing-china-s-auto-industry-part-1 |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Investor Insights |language=en}}</ref> [[File:2020 BYD Han EV front.jpg|thumb|The [[BYD Han]], as of 2024, is BYD's upscale [[full-size car]].|left]]

BYD introduced its first vehicle equipped with the [[Blade battery]], the [[BYD Han]] large sedan, in early 2020. The Han went on sale in July 2020 with an option of plug-in hybrid electric (Han DM) and battery electric (Han EV) variants.<ref name="Kane-2020">{{Cite news |last=Kane |first=Mark |date=2020-03-23 |title=BYD Han Electric And Plug-In Hybrid Sedan: Everything We Know |url=https://insideevs.com/reviews/405461/byd-han-everything-we-know/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref> The range-topping variant of the Han EV was claimed to be the fastest electric car in China, while the DM version was the fastest hybrid sedan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kane |first=Mark |date=2020-07-19 |title=BYD Han Officially Goes On Sale In China |url=https://insideevs.com/news/434637/byd-han-officially-on-sale-china/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref>

BYD announced its entry to the European passenger car market in May 2020, starting with Norway. The first batch of 100 [[BYD Tang|BYD Tang EVs]] equipped with the Blade battery were sent to Norway in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kane |first=Mark |date=2021-06-13 |title=First Batch Of 100 BYD Tang Heads For Norway |url=https://insideevs.com/news/513626/first-100-byd-tang-norway/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref>[[File:BYD Atto 3 1X7A6491.jpg|thumb|The [[BYD Atto 3|BYD Atto 3 / Yuan Plus]] helped increase the sales of BYDs globally; it is one of the best selling electric cars in Australia.]]In April 2021, BYD introduced the e-Platform 3.0, a third-generation [[Car platform|platform]] for battery electric vehicles that integrated and standardised core components along with a new body structure, new electrical architecture, and [[operating system]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kane |first=Mark |date=2021-04-21 |title=BYD Introduces 800V E-Platform 3.0 And New EVs: EA1, X DREAM |url=https://insideevs.com/news/502427/byd-eplatform3-ea1-x-dream/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref> The platform began production starting with the [[BYD Dolphin]] and the [[BYD Yuan Plus]] that were announced in August 2021.<ref name="Kane-2021">{{Cite web |last=Kane |first=Mark |date=2021-08-16 |title=Affordable BYD Dolphin (EA1) Enters The Market In China |url=https://insideevs.com/news/527019/byd-dolphin-enters-market-china/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kane |first=Mark |date=2021-08-31 |title=BYD Introduces Yuan Plus At The Chengdu Auto Show |url=https://insideevs.com/news/529915/byd-introduces-yuan-plus-chengdu/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref> It also established the Ocean Series line of products, which consists of models named after [[marine animals]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kane |first=Mark |date=2021-08-30 |title=BYD Launches Dolphin At The Chengdu Auto Show |url=https://insideevs.com/news/529696/byd-dolphin-chengdu-auto-show/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2021, Daimler AG reduced its stake in its joint venture brand with BYD Auto from 50% to 10%, with BYD Auto controlling 90%. BYD refreshed Denza's line-up with the release of the [[Denza D9]] minivan in 2022, followed by the [[Denza N7]] SUV in 2023.<ref name="Zhang/CnEVPost-2021">{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Phate |date=2021-12-24 |title=BYD to increase stake in its JV with Daimler to 90% |url=https://cnevpost.com/2021/12/24/byd-to-increase-stake-in-its-jv-with-daimler-to-90/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}</ref>

in March 2022, BYD ended the production of pure [[internal combustion engine]] vehicles.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last1=McDee |first1=Max |date=2022-09-06 |title=BYD reaches 1 million car sales this year as China EV adoption explodes |url=https://www.arenaev.com/byds_1_millionth_car_this_year_is_chinas_most_popular_suv-news-678.php |website=ArenaEV.com}}</ref>

In January 2023, BYD established its second premium brand called [[Yangwang]] by introducing the [[Yangwang U8]] plug-in hybrid electric large SUV,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Mike |date=2023-01-05 |title=BYD reveals luxury electric SUV |url=https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/byd-reveals-luxury-electric-suv-brand |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=CarExpert |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stopford |first=William |date=2022-11-09 |title=BYD launching Yangwang premium brand in 2023 with off-roader |url=https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/motoring/byd-launching-yangwang-premium-brand-in-2023-with-off-roader-c-8812918 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref> and the [[Yangwang U9]] battery electric [[supercar]].<ref name="Quick-2023">{{Cite web |last=Quick |first=Jack |date=2023-01-06 |title=BYD's Yangwang reveals U9 electric supercar |url=https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/byds-yangwang-reveals-u9-electric-supercar |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=CarExpert |language=en}}</ref> The company further expanded its brand portfolio by introducing the [[Fangchengbao]] brand in June 2023, which focuses on [[off-road vehicles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bobylev |first=Denis |date=2023-08-16 |title=BYD's Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5 officially debuts. Two more SUVs teased as an easter egg |url=https://carnewschina.com/2023/08/16/byds-fang-cheng-bao-leopard-5-officially-debuted-two-more-vehicles-to-launch-later/ |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=CarNewsChina.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:2023 ВYD Seagull (front).jpg|thumb|2023 BYD Seagull]]

In April 2023, BYD released its smallest and cheapest battery electric vehicle called the [[BYD Seagull|Seagull]]. It features a 4-seater, 5-door configuration in a [[hatchback]] body style, while being priced in a segment dominated by smaller 3-door cars. The car became a sales success in China. On 29 November 2023, BYD produced the 200,000th Seagull after only seven months in the market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jin |first=Qian |date=2023-11-29 |title=The 200,000th BYD Seagull rolled off the assembly line |url=https://carnewschina.com/2023/11/29/the-200000th-byd-seagull-rolled-off-the-assembly-line/ |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=CarNewsChina.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Akhtar |first=Riz |date=2023-11-30 |title=BYD produces 200,000 low cost Seagull compact city EVs in first 8 months |url=https://thedriven.io/2023/11/30/byd-produces-200000-low-cost-seagull-compact-city-evs-in-first-8-months/ |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=The Driven |language=en-US}}</ref> Due to its low cost of production and its low selling price at below CN¥90,000 or US$12,000, the Seagull has garnered curiosity and praise from international media and industry experts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-13 |title=Small, well-built Chinese EV called the Seagull poses a big threat to the US auto industry |url=https://apnews.com/article/china-byd-auto-seagull-auto-ev-cae20c92432b74e95c234d93ec1df400 |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Kevin |date=2024-02-27 |title=American Test Of $11,500 BYD Seagull: 'This Doesn't Come Across Cheap' |url=https://insideevs.com/news/710364/byd-detroit-import-seagull-caresoft/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wayland |first=Michael |date=2024-03-22 |title=Why a small China-made EV has global auto execs and politicians on edge |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/22/byd-seagull-ev-puts-global-auto-execs-politicians-on-edge.html |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Casey |date=2023-04-19 |title=Shanghai auto show crowds flock to BYD's Seagull |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/shanghai-auto-show-crowds-flock-byds-seagull-2023-04-19/ |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Reuters}}</ref>

While celebrating BYD's 5,000,000th new energy vehicle production in August 2023, Wang Chuanfu called on local Chinese car manufacturers to "unite" to take on foreign manufacturers, responding to the severe [[Automotive industry in China#Price war (2022–present)|price war in the Chinese market]] throughout 2023. Wang claims that it is "an emotional need for the 1.4 billion Chinese people to see a Chinese brand becoming global," and initiated a campaign titled "Together, we are Chinese autos" ({{lang-zh|s=在一起，才是中国汽车|p=}}). The call was welcomed by the CEOs of [[Nio Inc.|Nio]] and [[Li Auto]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-11 |title=BYD calls on China automakers to unite, 'demolish the old' in global push |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/byd-calls-china-automakers-unite-demolish-old-global-push-2023-08-11/ |access-date=2023-12-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-09 |title=在一起才是"中国汽车"，比亚迪第500万辆新能源汽车正式下线 |trans-title=Together we are "Chinese cars", BYD's 5 millionth new energy vehicle officially rolls off the assembly line |url=https://www.sohu.com/a/710354933_120832754 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Sohu}}</ref>

On 18 November 2024, BYD held an event in Shenzhen to celebrate its 30th anniversary and becoming the first automaker globally to produce 10,000,000 new energy vehicles. The milestone vehicle was a [[Denza Z9]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-18 |title=王传福总结比亚迪三十年发展经验：敢想、敢干、敢坚持！ |trans-title=Wang Chuanfu summarized BYD's 30 years of development experience: Dare to think, dare to do, and dare to persevere! |url=https://weibo.com/ttarticle/x/m/show#/id=2309405102063666200695&_wb_client_=1 |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Weibo |publisher=BYD Auto |language=zh}}</ref>

In early 2023 and early 2024, BYD introduced the Champion Edition and Honor Edition versions of its models, respectively, featuring price reductions aimed at expanding market share in the Chinese market. The strategy contributed to [[Automotive industry in China#Price war (2022–present)|intensified price war in the market]], prompting Chinese authorities to advise BYD to avoid further price reductions. In response, on 10 February 2025, BYD introduced Smart Driving Edition versions across 21 models, featuring enhanced [[advanced driver assistance systems]] (ADAS) marketed as [[BYD Auto#God's Eye|God's Eye]], including city-level NOA (Navigate on Autopilot), with prices starting at 100,000 yuan. The update aims to offer additional features without increasing prices.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=2025-02-15 |title=【图】比亚迪被窗口指导，加配不加价，再打价格战_汽车之家 |trans-title=BYD was instructed by the window to add features without raising prices and start a price war again |url=https://www.autohome.com.cn/news/202502/1304080.html#pvareaid=102624 |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=www.autohome.com.cn}}</ref>

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