BYD to release five new vehicle models in '09

Shanghai, January 6 (Gasgoo.com) China's BYD Co plans to launch five new vehicle models in 2009, including F5, F4 mid-sized sedan models, the M6 MPV, S6 SUV, and the F8 hardtop convertible models, local Chinese newspaper Beijing Business Today reported.

The F5 model is 4,600 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,490 mm high, a little bit roomier than the F4. The F5 will use BYD's self-developed 1.8l engine.

Measuring 4600mm x 1760mm x 1490mm and a 2,950mm wheelbase, the M6 is BYD' first MPV model it has ever produced. The S6 will also become the automaker's first SUV model presenting to the market. 

The F8 is reported to be the first Chinese hardtop convertible with independent intellectual property rights, which features an electrically operated hardtop. With the touch of the button it can be opened or closed in 25 seconds.

In addition, BYD is set to launch two more electric cars, the F6DM sedan and an all-electric van, the E6, this year. Its first plug-in hybrid F3DM went on sale in December, 2008.

BYD aims to sell 350,000 vehicles in 2009, up from a total of 180,000 cars it planned to sell in 2008. In 2007, BYD sold about 90,000 vehicles.