BYD Auto Wants to Lead the EV, Hybrid Sectors

One of the many Chinese auto manufacturers has found a way of expanding its business and electric vehicle expertise. BYD Auto has foreseen the success of electric vehicles and now plans on becoming the leader of the alternative energy vehicle sector. The path to that goal is already being built, as the manufacturer is in talks with foreign companies to sell its battery products.

"We are in talks with a number of foreign companies. We will supply the partner with our battery products in the cooperation, but we are not selling the technology," Henry Z. Li, general manager of BYD Auto's export division was quoted as saying by autonews.gasgoo.com.

Li is aware of the fact that the lack, at least for now, of viable charging networks for EVs around the world is a setback, but this doesn't deter his company into trying to get a head start.

"Electric vehicles are an opportunity. The issue is how we can seize the opportunity and bring our advantage into play. New energy vehicles will gain a bigger market share and we are riding the trend... I believe we will be able to make the division break even within five years," Li added.

As a car manufacturer, BYD was one step ahead of giant GM when it released the F3DM plug-in hybrid in China late last year, ahead of the Volt, which it now plans to compete on its own grounds. BYD plans the introduction of its vehicles, starting with the F3DM, onto the American markets sometimes in 2011 and in Europe as soon as next year.

The next step is the delivery of an all electric vehicle, the E6, set to begin later this year. BYD plans on launching an additional five models this year and double its sales to 400,000 units.