BYD's Liu Xueliang: Expanding Consumer Choices with the Sea Lion 6 DM-i

Liu Xueliang, BYD Group Vice President and General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Automotive Sales Division, speaks during an interview with the Korea Automobile Journalists Association. — Liu Xueliang, BYD Group Vice President and General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Automotive Sales Division, speaks during an interview with the Korea Automobile Journalists Association on June 26. [Photo=Korea Automobile Journalists Association]

BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle brand, has launched its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model in the domestic market, following its electric vehicle offerings. This model operates like an electric vehicle under normal conditions while providing the convenience of an internal combustion engine for long-distance driving. With limited PHEV releases from domestic automakers, BYD's proactive approach is noteworthy.

During a meeting with the Korea Automobile Journalists Association at the Busan BEXCO on June 26, Liu Xueliang introduced the newly unveiled Sea Lion 6 DM-i as "a vehicle very close to electric cars."

He stated, "Global consumers who have purchased the DM-i model are actively utilizing the EV mode for their daily driving. Given the recent rise in fuel prices, we decided to introduce vehicles equipped with DM-i technology in Korea to provide consumers with more options."

BYD Korea showcased the Sea Lion 6 DM-i, its first PHEV model, at the Busan Mobility Show. This marks a shift from its previous strategy of only selling pure electric vehicles like the Atto 3, Seal, and Dolphin, expanding its electrified lineup. The launch comes as major domestic automakers, including Hyundai, have been slow to release PHEVs in Korea. The vehicle can travel approximately 70 kilometers in electric mode under domestic certification standards, with a competitive price of 37.5 million won.

Liu emphasized, "The Sea Lion 6 DM-i has already proven its performance and durability in global markets. We will conduct nationwide test drive events and fuel efficiency challenges to allow more consumers to experience our technology firsthand."

Photo by Oh Joo-seok — Liu Xueliang introduces the Sea Lion 6 DM-i at the Busan Mobility Show on June 26. [Photo=Oh Joo-seok]

Since starting its passenger car business in Korea last year, BYD Korea has transformed into a nationwide operator. After beginning deliveries of the Atto 3, it surpassed 10,000 cumulative sales within a year, expanding its showroom count to 34 and service centers to 20. Liu explained that participating in the Busan Mobility Show aims to provide opportunities for consumers across the country to experience electric vehicles directly.

He expressed, "Regardless of where they live, I hope everyone in Korea can experience BYD's technology. We will continue to expand our service centers and improve parts supply speed to ensure consumers can use their vehicles with peace of mind."

Regarding the entry of other Chinese brands like Zeekr into the Korean market, Liu offered a positive assessment. He noted, "Korea has a very mature automotive market, and young consumers have a high interest in IT technology. The entry of Chinese brands will broaden consumer choices and foster healthy competition, allowing the entire Korean automotive market to develop together."

However, Liu clarified that there are no immediate plans for local production in Korea. He emphasized a focus on improving service quality as BYD's presence grows in the country. He hinted at the possibility of introducing additional models based on consumer feedback, stating, "We are concentrating on enhancing domestic service quality in collaboration with Korean companies like T-map and Kakao Map. If Korean consumers desire more diverse products, we will consider introducing additional PHEV models."

* This article has been translated by AI.