BYD ships record vehicles to New Zealand

BYD is set to deliver a record 2750 new-energy vehicles to New Zealand later this month, as it works to clear an order backlog that dates back to April and boost local stock ahead of summer.

The shipment, which is the largest for BYD Auto New Zealand since it began operations in the market, will arrive on two vessels at the Port of Auckland.

The Morning Cara will deliver 2395 vehicles, while the Morning Celesta will add a further 355 units, taking the combined shipment to 2750 vehicles.

The incoming stock includes much of BYD’s New Zealand range, such as the new Atto 3 Evo, the previously unseen Atto 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid, and the recently introduced Shark 6 Performance ute.

According to the report, strong demand for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, combined with ongoing shipping constraints from China, has resulted in an order backlog dating to April.

BYD Auto NZ general manager Warren Willmot said the shipment reflects the brand’s rapid local growth and increased demand for electrified vehicles.

“Bringing in our largest-ever shipment of NEVs shows just how far we’ve come, and how strong demand has been from Kiwi drivers who want an affordable, reliable path into electric and hybrid vehicle ownership,” he said.

“We’re proud to be playing our part in New Zealand’s transition to cleaner transport, and this shipment means more Kiwis than ever will be able to get behind the wheel of a BYD.”

As the company continues to expand its New Zealand model range and dealer footprint, the additional stock is expected to strengthen availability across its national retail network heading into the final months of 2026.

The distributor has arranged coastal shipping from Auckland to Lyttelton in Christchurch for vehicles destined for South Island customers.

BYD says moving the vehicles by sea rather than road should reduce delivery times while easing pressure on national freight networks.

BYD Auckland general manager Jenni Martin said the additional supply will help reduce customer waiting periods.

“This significant increase in supply will help us meet our increasing customer demand more efficiently, reduce delivery lead times, and ensure more New Zealanders can experience BYD’s innovative and sustainable mobility solutions,” she said.