EVDirect, the exclusive Australian distributor for Chinese EV giant BYD, has appointed David Smitherman as its new CEO replacing Luke Todd who held the position since mid-2021.
The new CEO starts the job as BYD looks to significantly increase its presence in the Australian market.
Globally, BYD outsold Tesla in electric vehicles for the first time in Q4 2023 and although Tesla may regain the top spot in Q1 2024 (traditionally a slower quarter for the Chinese market which accounts for over 90% of BYD sales), the long term growth trajectory of the company could see it solidify the top spot in coming years.
2024 shaping to be big year for BYD in Australia
2024 is set to be a watershed year for BYD in Australia. In December, EVDirect announced it plans to open 30 new BYD retail outlets across Australia over the next 18 months. There are also very high expectations of the BYD Seal for which deliveries recently started for Australian customers.
Tom Gan, who took delivery of a Seal in late December, gave BYD’s new model top marks in his recent review on his YouTube channel Ludicrous Feed.
“BYD is the most exciting automotive brand in the world, we have huge plans for 2024 and out product portfolio. The Dolphin, Seal and ATTO 3 will be complimented by the hotly anticipated Seal U in Q2 and a further three product launches before the end of 2024” said the incoming CEO.
“We are amid a huge shift in the automotive industry here in Australia and I strongly believe that many Aussies will soon be driving a BYD vehicle and enjoying becoming a part of the environmental solution to a better Australia.”
Daniel Bleakley is a clean technology researcher and advocate with a background in engineering and business. He has a strong interest in electric vehicles, renewable energy, manufacturing and public policy.