JMS 2023: BYD presents its brand vision at its first Show in Japan, unveiling three models including the Seal sedan EV

・BYD Auto Co., Ltd. (BYD) exhibited for the first time at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 (JMS 2023) at Tokyo Big Sight. At the press briefing, Mr. Xueliang LIU, General Manager of the Asia Pacific Automotive Sales Division and President of BYD Japan Co., Ltd., and Mr. Atsuki Tofukuji, President of BYD Auto Japan Co., Ltd., took the stage.

・Mr. LIU introduced the brand's achievements and vision for the future. He stated that one of the key visions is to "lower the temperature of the earth by 1°C," and that the company is working to address climate change through its products. Regarding the performance of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs: battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles), he said that the company has sold vehicles in more than 70 countries and regions and in more than 400 cities, including passenger cars in 58 countries. In 2022 and the first half of 2023, the company announced that it ranked first in the world in terms of NEV sales and exceeded 5 million units in cumulative production. The company announced that it plans to continue to evolve electric vehicles (EVs) into an indispensable mobility for both people and the global environment by offering a wide range of e-mobility options to its customers with a broad lineup of vehicles, from family to luxury cars.

・Mr. Tofukuji introduced the brand's purpose: "e-mobility for everyone”. Demonstrating the technology and lineup, he introduced three models that are making their Japanese debuts: the Seal mid-size electric sedan, the D9 MPV from Denza, a high-end sub-brand jointly developed with Mercedes-Benz, and the U8 off-road electric SUV under the Yangwang premium brand.

・Like the Dolphin small hatchback EV launched in Japan in September 2023, the Seal will have a sporty yet elegant design based on the theme of free and dynamic ocean creatures. The design was created by Wolfgang Egger, formerly of Audi. The main features of the model are BYD's proprietary technologies, including a blade battery that offers both long range and safety, e-platform 3.0 designed specifically for EVs, and CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology. This technology is said to be effective in robustness, torsional rigidity, and reducing the number of parts by having the battery pack serve as the vehicle body structure. The model is scheduled to be launched in Japan in the spring of 2024. In addition to rear-wheel drive, a four-wheel drive model will also be available.

・The Denza D9 is a premium MPV jointly developed with Mercedes-Benz, and its main features are ample space, excellent comfort and practicality. It is said to be loaded with BYD's proprietary control systems, such as the eSus Intelligent Computing System, a vehicle body control technology that enables movement beyond conventional air suspension, to improve drivability. At this time, there are no plans for sales in Japan.

・The Yangwang U8 was presented as a cutting-edge model loaded with BYD's advanced technologies, including hydraulic body control, BYD's proprietary body control technology, and the e4 platform, the world's first mass-produced four-motor independent drive technology platform. The platform enables quicker sensing and more precise drive compared to conventional vehicles by controlling all four wheels with the aim of providing top-class safety and performance. This has resulted in improved maneuverability stability and the ability to make a "tank turn," a 360° turn on the spot. In addition, this model can also travel on water. At this time, the company does not plan to sell this model in Japan.