Polish-based Automotive Europe Corporation has begun marketing Chinese-built BYD Auto model range in Ukrainie. The new distributor makes nor secret of its ambition to become the No. 1 in the sales of Chinese-models on this market. Previously BYD was represented by a local company Atlant-M, but its operation became heavily limited during the recent crisis. Currently, there are some 1,000 BYD-badged cars on Ukrainian roads (mainly the F3) for which the Polish-based importer has also prepared an attractive servicing package.

Initially, Ukrainian buyers will be able to choose from 7 models form the BYD range, that will cover the most important market segments. The lowest-priced model, the F0, similar to Toyota Aygo, will cost US$ 8,990, while the top-of-the range model, reminiscent of the Lexus RX, will set the buyer back minimum by US$ 21,990. Prices of the most popular BYD model, the F3 (a close copy of the American Toyota Corolla Mk IX) will start from US$ 10,990 USD. What is important, it is this model that has become the basis for the development of the first Chinese hybrid car with extended range that has just gone on sale in Spain. Other models include the G3 sedan (prices start at US$ 13,990) and an upper mid-range F6 model (from US$ 15,990) inspiration for which was provided not by any of the Toyota models, but by Honda Accord.

BYD F3DM already in Europe, the price 27,685 EUR

Sales objectives for the last two months of the year are 250 units. Later the objectives are more ambitious, with 2,100 units planned for 2012, 5,000 units for 2013 and the level of 10,000 units to be reached in 2014. At the moment Ukrainian BYD sales organisation comprises 14 showrooms with expansion to 26 outlets planned next year. Also next year the range will be expanded by further models, including hybrid and electric vehicles, like the K9 electric-powered bus. BYD Vehicles sold in Ukraine come with AEC’s 3-year or 100,000 km warranty.

BYD S6DM - the advanced copy of Lexus RX

Automotive Europe Corporation is BYD sole importer to Poland. Apart from Ukraine AEC is BYD’s sole agent in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. In Poland company’s chairman as of May 1, 2011 is Dariusz Wysocki. Venturing into Ukraine will undoubtedly give AEC much-needed experience in marketing the Chinese brand that will be invaluable when is starts to market BYD in Poland. Opening of the first showroom in Warsaw is planned for 2012.

BYD E6 on the market, price 369 800 RMB

The models currently available in Ukraine will not be imported to Poland as they are not Euro 5 models. Polish range will only include the F3DM and S6DM hybrids as well as electric models, the E6 and the K9 bus. The last to arrive will be the S6DM as the manufacturer has announced its launch in 2013 at the earliest.

Source: Auto Consulting

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