China's Largest EV Maker Eys Control Of ASEAN Market

BYD Co., China's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, has begun to penetrate the Southeast Asian market to challenge the stronghold held by Japanese automakers in the region, Kyodo News reported recently.

Photo Insert: BYD, which has launched an offensive on Japanese EVs that hold more than 80% of the region's market share, is looking to build a formidable presence by expanding its local production line.

BYD, which has launched an offensive on Japanese EVs that hold more than 80% of the region's market share, is looking to build a formidable presence by expanding its local production line, though it faces issues with product selection and after-sales service.

At the Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand, the largest public exhibition of motor vehicles in Southeast Asia, held in March, visitors streamed into the BYD sales booth.

A 21-year-old business owner who decided to purchase one of BYD's vehicles said, "I have a Honda now that costs me up to 8,000 baht ($230) for fuel per month. For the BYD, I'll pay just 1,000 baht in electricity costs," he said.

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for consumers when selecting an automobile in Thailand, where the average income is just 15,000 baht per month.

"BYD is reliable because of its achievements (in China)," said a Thai Airways International pilot, 47, who also signed a purchase contract to buy a vehicle at the booth.

During the 12-day run of the motor show, automakers who participated sold roughly 43,000 cars.

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