Rising Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is set to significantly expand its presence in ASEAN markets, eyeing a doubling of its sales outlets in Singapore and the Philippines. This move is part of the company’s aggressive expansion strategy following its recent entry into Indonesia.
James Ng, managing director for Singapore and the Philippines markets, revealed BYD’s plans to open more than a dozen sales outlets for passenger cars in Singapore and the Philippines this year alone. Ng emphasized the cultural alignment between ASEAN consumers and BYD’s offerings, signaling strong brand recognition in the region.
In mid-January, BYD launched three passenger models in Indonesia, marking its entry into the largest economy in ASEAN. The company introduced its Seal sedan, Atto 3 sports utility vehicle, and Dolphin hatchback, further solidifying its position as a top contender in the global EV market.
BYD collaborates with local distributors in Singapore and the Philippines to sell its EVs, partnering with automotive groups like Sime Darby Motors and Philippine conglomerate Ayala. BYD aims to expand its network of over 10 dealerships in the Philippines by adding more than 20 sales points this year. The company plans to increase its outlets in Singapore from 7 to 10, including showrooms and cafes where customers can experience and purchase BYD products.
Ng highlighted the potential for the Philippines to outperform Singapore in EV sales, leveraging insights and best practices learned from the Singaporean market.
BYD’s joint initiative with NTUC LearningHub in Singapore aims to train 500 individuals annually in EV maintenance, aligning with the city-state’s growing EV adoption. Last year, over 18% of new cars registered in Singapore were electric, a significant increase from previous years.
Roger Chan, after-sales director at BYD Singapore, expressed pride in BYD’s performance, noting the company’s emergence as the top EV brand in Singapore in 2023, surpassing competitors like Tesla. During the launch of the training site, he said, “BYD now, electric vehicle — we are No. 1 now.” He added, “It’s definitely a good thing for BYD, and also a good thing for Singapore.”
As BYD continues its expansion across ASEAN markets, fueled by increasing demand for electric vehicles, it aims to solidify its position as a leader in the region’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
