BYD ramps up NZ supply as EV, PHEV demand continues to outstrip stock

BYD says it has secured enough additional vehicle shipments to clear its current customer order backlog in New Zealand by the end of August, after unprecedented demand left some buyers facing delivery delays.

Earlier this month, BYD Auto New Zealand warned customers that supply constraints would delay some vehicle deliveries, following months of record demand across its expanding electric vehicle (EV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and ute lineups.

The importer has now confirmed three shipments carrying around 1250 vehicles will arrive during July, with vessels expected to dock around July 1, July 16, and July 20.

It has also secured additional shipping capacity for August, allowing it to fulfil all existing customer orders by the end of that month while significantly reducing wait times for new buyers.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding shown during this time and are pleased to provide a positive update," said BYD Auto New Zealand general manager, Warren Willmot.

"As a result, we expect to fulfil all current customer orders by the end of August. Looking ahead, these increased supply volumes will substantially reduce wait times for new orders.

"We remain committed to delivering vehicles to our customers as quickly as possible and thank them for their continued support."

The additional supply comes as BYD enjoys its strongest-ever start to a year in New Zealand.

According to Motor Industry Association registration data, BYD delivered 2079 passenger vehicles between January and May, an increase of 277 per cent over the same period in 2025. That places the Chinese brand fifth in the passenger vehicle market, ahead of Suzuki, Mazda, and Ford.

BYD has also become New Zealand's best-selling EV brand so far this year, registering 1253 battery-electric vehicles through May, up 220 per cent year-on-year.

Its strongest-performing EVs have been the BYD Atto 1, Atto 2, and Atto 3, helping it overtake more established rivals in the segment.

The brand also leads New Zealand's plug-in hybrid market, with 826 PHEV registrations year-to-date — a 413 per cent increase compared to the first five months of last year.

Driving much of that success is the BYD Sealion 5, which is New Zealand's best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2026 so far with 368 registrations.

BYD has also made significant gains in the light commercial market thanks to the BYD Shark 6 ute.

The plug-in hybrid dual-cab has recorded 638 registrations through May, placing BYD fifth in the commercial vehicle market and ahead of established brands including Isuzu, GWM, and Kia.

Supply has struggled to keep pace with demand throughout the year.

Following a record sales weekend earlier this year, BYD New Zealand announced it had fully allocated all in-country stock and incoming shipments to its dealer network, with some colours and model variants sold out for up to two months.

At the time, the company said customer demand had exceeded its most optimistic forecasts and pledged to increase shipment volumes to improve availability.

The latest announcement suggests those additional vehicles are now on the way.

The increase in New Zealand allocations follows a similar strategy in Australia, where BYD has begun using its own fleet of roll-on/roll-off vehicle carriers to improve supply.

Earlier this year, the BYD-owned BYD Zhengzhou delivered almost 5000 vehicles to Australian customers on its maiden voyage, highlighting the Chinese automaker's growing investment in global distribution as overseas demand continues to accelerate.

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