Etiqueta: EV

An interesting addition to the plug-in hybrid pickup segment is the new BYD Shark that has just been launched in Mexico.

A seismic shift is underway in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. Chinese automaker BYD's affordable and innovative Seagull EV has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving American manufacturers and politicians reeling.

The BYD Shark is the first pickup truck from the brand and will be sold in markets such as Mexico and Australia

The BYD Shark is the first pickup truck from the brand and will be sold in the Mexican market

STORY: BYD unveiled a new mid-size, hybrid-electric pickup truck in Mexico on Tuesday.It was the first time the world's largest EV maker has launched a new product outside its home country.And it strengthens the Chinese automaker's foothold in the North American market.The reveal came on the same day U.S. president Joe Biden unveiled announced new tariffs on a variety of Chinese imports, including EVs.A U.S. trade representative further said the U.S. was weighing tariffs on imports from Mexico.But BYD Chief of Americas Stella Li didn't think this would have an impact on the carmaker.“No, we don't have any plan to go to the U.S. so this Shark (truck) is really targeted for like any other place outside the U.S.”BYD executives said the Shark is only available in Mexico.It also plans to build a plant in the country.Li said BYD chose Mexico due to its rapid growth in demand for pickup trucks there.“Yeah, it doesn't make a difference because when we build a Mexican plant, we only consider the Mexican market and other countries' markets, we have not considered the U.S.”The plant will have a capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year, and Li said it will take up to three years to finish.BYD's Shark is costlier than most rival products, though. It has with a starting price of $53,442 for the Shark GL, and $57,588 for the premium model.

Just after the Biden tariff hikes announced Tuesday, BYD revealed a truck that might rival the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

The Shark is currently only available in Mexico and BYD is not eyeing entry into the U.S. market, Reuters reported, citing the company's regional chief Stella Li.