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China’s BYD to Nearly Triple Dealership Network in South Africa by 2026

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Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD plans to significantly expand its presence in South Africa, aiming to nearly triple its dealership network by next year as it pushes to grow its market share in Africa’s largest automotive market. The company currently operates about 13 dealerships in the country.

Steve Chang, General Manager of BYD Auto South Africa, told Reuters that BYD expects to increase its dealerships to around 20 by the end of 2025 and further expand to between 30 and 35 locations by the end of 2026. This expansion supports BYD’s goal of becoming a well-known brand across South Africa amid a growing interest in new energy vehicles (NEVs).

BYD launched in South Africa in 2023 with its all-electric ATTO 3 model. It now offers six models locally, including the plug-in hybrid Shark pickup, hybrid SEALION 6, and all-electric SEALION 7 SUVs introduced in April, reflecting its strategy to offer both hybrid and electric powertrains.

Sales of NEVs in South Africa nearly doubled in 2024, reaching 15,611 units compared to 7,782 units in 2023, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). Despite the low overall share of NEVs, BYD is focused on capturing early market share as the country gradually transitions toward electrified transportation.

Chang emphasized the importance of educating consumers about EVs to align South Africa with global trends. However, challenges remain, including limited charging infrastructure, unstable power supply, and relatively high import duties on EVs compared to conventional vehicles.

BYD views South Africa as a critical market in the southern hemisphere and the largest in Africa. The company’s planned expansion aims to tap into this potential and accelerate EV adoption on the continent.

Toyota Bets on Hybrids as EV Demand Slows, Aiming for a Hybrid-Dominated Future

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Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, is pivoting towards a hybrid-only lineup for its Toyota and Lexus brands, moving away from gasoline-only models as demand for electric vehicles (EVs) begins to decelerate. Nearly three decades after introducing the Prius, Toyota remains committed to its “multi-pathway” strategy, which includes hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and green fuels, rather than focusing solely on EVs. Despite the automotive industry’s push for all-electric vehicles, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda predicts that EVs will constitute just 30% of the global market. With models like the Camry and RAV4 already transitioning to hybrid-only variants, Toyota aims to strengthen its market dominance by offering more plug-in hybrids, particularly as U.S. emissions regulations become stricter. By 2030, Toyota plans to convert 30% of its global fleet to EVs while continuing to innovate within the hybrid space, giving the company more time to develop next-generation technologies and navigate evolving market demands.