BYD F3 hybrid to sell for 100,000 yuan at year end

Shanghai, August 19 (Gasgoo.com) Chinese carmaker BYD Auto will launch its F3MD hybrid by the end of this year, at a price between 100,000 yuan ($14,600) and 130,000 yuan, said sina.com.cn today. BYD are about to make automotive history by launching the cheapest hybrid motor, much cheaper than the base Toyota Prius ($21,000).

BYD Auto exhibited its hybrid vehicles, the F3DM and the F6DM, at the 2008 Beijing auto show in April. Equipped with BYD's proprietary iron-based Li-ion rechargeable battery, the cars feature "plug-in hybrid vehicle" functionality, which allows them to be recharged from a household power outlet. After its output reaches 200,000 units, the F3DM will have its price reduced to 30,000 yuan or so to become the cheapest hybrid car.

The BYD F3 hybrid will be formally named the BYD F3DM once it is launched at the end of the year. "DM" refers to "Dual Mode," which indicates that the cars are capable of running on the electric motor as well as the gasoline engine, like Toyota Motor Corp's "Prius." The F3 hybrid features the BHS (BYD Hybrid System), which is an advanced technology integrating generator and motor control.

BYD are also planning to launch other DM vehicles over the next few years, including SUVs, and MPV's which will follow the design of the current F3. The company said it will launch a 'pure electric' BYD F3 and BYD E6 in 2009.

Currently, BYD Auto's two sales networks: A1 for the F3, F6 models, and A2 for F3R, F0. The BYD F3 hybrid will be sold through the A1 network. A possible A3 may be built to sell BYD's SUV, MPV and other follow-up models.