I’ve been watching this company and out of all of the Chinese companies, despite the fact that they are still currently “copiers” of actual bodyshell designs, they seem to have the most forward-thinking electric and electric hybrid technology (logically enough, because they started out in the cell phone battery business).

Would I buy one? Well, out of all of the Chinese car companies, there are some caveats to my saying “yes” instead of easily just saying “NO WAY”

-Clearly passing the US and European crash tests with at least average to better than average scores

-Having a properly set-up dealer network and dealer close at hand to where I live

-Pricing in a range of a competitive car (for a hybrid, perhaps 10% less than Prius, for a full electric, perhaps no more than 20% more than Prius)

-For an electric, winter driving capabilities and range (and HEAT and DEFROST)

Even then, I might be more willing to buy after the BYD people have put forward a 2nd generation of car (I waited for Toyota’s 2004-on Prius before I bought one, so if I was uncertain about Toyota – with the 2nd best reliability in the auto industry worldwide – I would obviously have to put the same constraints on an unknown company)

-Eventually, I would want to see BYD putting factories in nations where they actually sell these cars (aka “transplants”) including the US.
For that matter; how about western Michigan?

A big mountain for BYD to climb. But, isn’t it the Chinese who first said “the journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step” and it looks like BYD have taken multiple steps, already.

Kudos to them if they pull it off.

I’ve also read that they are more than willing to supply other auto companies – logically enough, this will benefit them and the supplied company, by increasing production/reducing costs.