BYD enters Ethiopia with local launch of 5 models

BYD has entered Ethiopia, expanding its presence into the East African market.

The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker announced its official entry into the local market on Dec 21 with Ethiopian distributor Moenco, a subsidiary of the Inchcape Group, at a brand launch event in the country's capital Addis Ababa.

BYD rolled out 5 battery electric vehicle (BEV) models in Ethiopia, including the compact hatchback Seagull and the Tang SUV (sport utility vehicle).

The company opened its after-sales service centre and showroom in Kality, Addis Ababa, to provide local customers with car purchase and after-sales services.

The entry into the Ethiopian market marks an important step in BYD's development in the East African region, said Ramy Yao, sales director of BYD Africa.

Up to now, BYD has entered 13 countries and regions in Africa, according to the company.

This included 504,003 passenger NEVs and 2,801 commercial NEVs.

In Nov, BYD sold 30,977 NEVs in overseas markets, up 1.14% year-on-year, though 0.69% lower than in Oct.