BYD moves up at NAIAS
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Nov 26th 2008 at 11:11AM 
Click image for a gallery of the BYD e6
Things are looking up for Chinese automakers at the Detroit Auto Show this January, literally. Once relegated to the dark trenches of Cobo Hall's basement, the recent departure of so many Auto Show stalwarts has opened up enough room in the main auditorium that automakers like BYD now get to share floor space with the big guns of the auto industry. Now, we just hope the newcomers don't screw it up by showing off less than competitive vehicles. Of course, if you are Honda CEO Takeo Fukui, nothing BYD brings to display will be good enough.
BYD in particular has a few interesting models from which to choose from, including a couple of brand-new hybrids, but the model we'd most like to see in Detroit would be the BYD e6, which is fully electric and was just recently shown at the Beijing Motor Show. We would also love to see what it's got under the hood, which remained shut the entire time it was first shown. BYD and Brilliance: Now's your chance to shine, better take advantage.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Serge 1:04PM (11/26/2008)
BYD is an interesting player to watch. I think they are well positioned to be competitive in the emerging EV mass-market. Their core strength is full-control of power-train production, after all they are a part of battery manufacturer.
Honda's dismissive remarks are dangerous [for Honda]. They have worked hard to build their reputation for excellence and engineering. They may "lecture" BYD Auto from that postiion, for now. However, their next-generation products are either expensive long shots (FCX Honda) or a bit laggard (Inisght II). Once the great hydrogen giveaway ends very soon, I predict that the FCX program is axed and a catch ensues in hybrid/plug-in segment.
The Chinese have shown that they can turn from "quantity" to "quality" production, so I, for one, will be watching BYD's moves.
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