At the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, the Shenzhen-based BYD unveiled its new Dynasty electric concept SUV along with electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the Song series, the Song EV300 and Song DM.
“The trend to go electric is already irreversible,” Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD told the crowd of more than 2,000 attendees. “But where is the next growth area? There’s no doubt that it will be in consumer vehicles, most of them plug-in hybrid models.”
The Dynasty prototype was detailed by the executive who created it, Design Director Wolfgang Egger. He recently joined up with BYD and brings years of design leadership over from Europe, having served Seat, Alfa Romeo, and Audi.
“Joining BYD provides an opportunity to help a young brand develop its design DNA as it looks to expand its global footprint,” said BYD Design Director Wolfgang Egger. “This concept vehicle will take BYD’s consumer vehicles in an exciting new direction, with design cues like its dragon-inspired exterior drawing inspiration from China’s rich cultural heritage.”
BYD is preparing to make an even greater push internationally by investing in world class technology and expertise that advances its vision of creating an eco-system of quality new energy products. The five billion RMB SkyRail monorail that was launched last October, the appointment of Hollywood actor Leonardo Dicaprio as brand ambassador in China for new energy vehicles, along with the recent hiring of two European automobile heavyweights underscores the company’s strategic global expansion.
BYD supports a concerted effort in mitigating climate change. Last year it used the C40 Climate Change conference in Mexico to call for a joint effort in reducing the global temperature by 1 degree Celsius.
BYD, which used the event to celebrate a record five billion RMB profit in 2016 (about $726.2 million), also launched the Song 7-seater SUV.
