BYD to sell Sealion SUV in Europe from 2025 in sign extra tariffs are ‘no big deal’ – Technologist

BYD is looking to crank up more sales overseas by pushing its latest sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) into the European market, shrugging off recent tariff hikes on China-made electric vehicles (EVs).

The latest foray in Europe underpins its confidence in the industry outlook and cost advantage, even after the European Union voted last month to impose an additional tariff of 17 to 35.3 per cent on Chinese EVs following an anti-subsidy investigation. BYD’s cars are subject to a 17 per cent rate in the bloc.

“BYD’s vehicles remain attractive even after the additional tariffs, so it’s really no big deal for the company,” said Chen Jinzhu, CEO of Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service, an industry consultancy. “The Sealion 07 is the latest example of how its cost advantage can help dilute the impact” of such hurdles in export markets, he added.

Shenzhen-based BYD has yet to unveil the price for Sealion 07 in Europe. The SUV, which offers a driving range of 450km, starts at 189,800 yuan (US$26,272) on the mainland, with deliveries to customers beginning in May.

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In a teardown report last year, UBS analysts said BYD had a sustainable 25 per cent cost advantage over traditional EU brands.