BYD, one of China's most successful makers of electric cars, is coming to Ireland later this year. Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), currently the Mercedes importer for Ireland and with history as an importer (and even manufacturer) of Mazda, Volkswagen, Skoda, and Citroen in the past, has been appointed as the Irish distributor.
Biggest maker of EVs in the world
BYD is big news, as it has overtaken Tesla as the largest maker of electric cars worldwide and is currently sitting as the best-selling electric car brand in China.
The announcement of MDL's appointment was made at a formal contract signing event held at BYD global headquarters in Shenzhen, China in the presence of MDL chief executive, Paddy Finnegan.
Impressed by what he termed 'the many aspects of vehicle design, production and operation on which BYD places importance, not least those intended to reduce global warming and eliminate the use in production of vital minerals', Mr. Finnegan said that MDL is "proud to partner with BYD as their business partner in the Republic of Ireland."
150 new jobs
MDL estimates that 150 new jobs will be created as BYD sets up and expands its operations here. That will bring total employment at MDL to 450. These will include sales, technical and customer support roles, for which recruitment will shortly begin and MDL has confirmed that 'arrangements are in hand' for spares and after-sales support.
"We look forward to introducing BYD vehicles to Irish motorists and to establishing BYD as a major player in the Irish market," Mr. Finnegan said.
One of the first, and arguably most important, models to arrive will be the BYD Atto 3 - an all-electric crossover similar in size to a Hyundai Kona EV, which boasts a 420km range. We should also see the BYD Seal - a sleek four-door saloon, with a 550 range which will be a serious rival to the Tesla Model 3. BYD - an acronym that stands for 'Build Your Dreams' - will also have a range of electric commercial vehicles.
Cobalt-free batteries
MDL will establish a dealer network for BYD, but it's not clear yet if these will be new appointments or if MDL will lean on the expertise of its existing Mercedes network.
Asked about the significance the appointment will have for MDL, Mr Finnegan further stated: "whilst complementing the long-standing distribution interests we currently have, this new opportunity to represent BYD and introduce their vehicles to Irish motorists is one of great importance to MDL by enabling us to re-establish a strong presence in the volume-selling segment of the Irish market."
Mr Finnegan also played up BYD's environmental credentials, saying that the arrival of the electric-only brand in Ireland helps to support the country's pledges on carbon reductions, as well as pointing out that BYD's new 'Blade' battery design is produced without the use of cobalt, a rare metal whose mining has led to environmental and human rights concerns.
"For these and many other reasons all relating to their own ambitions and priorities in an increasingly eco-conscious world, the partnership now established between BYD and MDL is one that promises a rewarding and value-laden future for all concerned, including those dealers we will appoint to market their vehicles and the many future BYD owners whose motoring dreams we have yet to build," Mr. Finnegan said.