KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd has completed the BYD Seal line-up with the unveiling of the BYD Seal Dynamic variant last Friday, following the launches of the BYD Premium and BYD Performance variants of the model earlier in February this year.
The automotive arm of conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd
, Sime Darby Motors said the launch of the Seal Dynamic is in tandem with the company’s objective to offer a wider range of options to Malaysian consumers, before reporting that the former two variants had seen over 2,200 registrations as at the end of August.
The BYD Seal Dynamic is priced at RM163,800 per unit, way below the prices of the BYD Premium and BYD Performance at RM179,800 and RM199,800 per vehicle, respectively.
Sime Darby Motors managing director Andrew Basham observed that the BYD Seal has been the best selling electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia at present, as he emphasised the company is enabling more Malaysians to enjoy a sporty EV at a competitive price, without compromising on design, technology and support.
“As one of the pioneers of EVs in the country, we understand what customers’ needs are especially in terms of after-sales support and we are committed to driving Malaysia’s EV aspirations,” he told reporters at the launch of the BYD Seal Dynamic here recently.
Basham, however, did not reveal a specific sales target for the new variant of the EV.
BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Eagle Zhao commented that the launch of the new variant is a step in the direction of the company to make EVs accessible to more Malaysians, adding that the latest launch supports the shift towards a more sustainable, technology-driven mobility in Malaysia.
A purchase of the BYD Seal Dynamic includes a six-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, as well as an eight-year or 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty.Springing a small surprise, Sime Darby Motors also unveiled the upgraded BYD Atto 3, which is priced at RM149,800 – RM18,000 cheaper than the previous BYD Atto 3 Extended Range launched in December 2022.
Standing as the single variant, the upgraded Atto 3 includes improved specifications including a larger 60.48 kilowatts an hour lithium iron phosphate battery with a worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure-rated range of 420km on a single charge, larger 18-inch wheels, a total of eight speakers and a built-in air filter.
Moving forward, Zhao said the company will introduce its sub-brand Denza to the Malaysian market in the first quarter of 2025.
He believes that the new addition will further enhance the company’s presence and offer more options to Malaysians to meet the “huge demand” in the local market.
“We will introduce Denza, which will use BYD technology as well, with EV and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology,” he told a press conference at the launch of the BYD Seal Dynamic and the upgraded Atto 3.Zhao said BYD Malaysia is looking forward to upgrading its collaboration with Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd beyond the current distribution partnership with the arrival of Denza.
“We are embracing local partners to support us in a lot of fields for our brand introduction into Malaysia,” he said.
