BYD to be 2nd Chinese carmaker entering Australia

Shanghai, January 19 (Gasgoo.com) News from the 2010 Detroit auto show suggests that China's electric car maker BYD is investigating its options in Australia and may become the second Chinese carmaker entering this market after Great Wall Motor, local media reported.

At the North American International Auto Show, BYD's exports director Henri Li told press that BYD could arrive in Australia in two to three years. He said BYD is in early discussion with potential importers, but the lack of right-hand-drive models in the company's line-up will delay its entry in the Australian market until 2012 or 2013.

Founded in 2003, BYD includes US investor Warren Buffet among its investors, the legendary American injecting $247 million into the company in 2009. With sales of over 450,000 cars last year, the Chinese carmaker is aiming for 800,000 sales in 2010. Its all-electric car e6 will go on sale this year, first domestically and then in the U.S.

In January last year, BYD unveiled the F3DM hybrid, powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. With a combined output of 124kW and 400Nm of torque, BYD claims the F3DM can achieve a driving range of around 580km.

The first Chinese carmaker to launch vehicles in Australia is Great Wall Motors, which introduced its X240 SUV and SA220 commercial vehicles locally last year.