The first batch of BYD’s dual-cab ute is on its way to Australia as the local importer plays catch-up after 5000 orders, but says it’s not concerned about supply.
The first ship loaded with BYD Shark 6 dual-cab utes has left China headed for Australian showrooms ahead, of customer deliveries of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux rival in January 2025.
Australian importer EVDirect’s CEO David Smitherman confirmed to Drive the shipment of right-hand drive Australia-bound Shark 6s left China earlier this week as it looks to fulfil thousands of local orders since sales kicked off in October 2024.
BYD expects the Shark 6 to become its single best-selling model with EVDirect previously suggesting it could the Australia’s best-selling vehicle across all brands.
When asked how many versions of the brand’s first dual-cab – which will come to Australia with a plug-in hybrid powertrain – were in the first load, Smitherman would not reveal specific numbers.
“Not enough on the boat is the answer,” the EVDirect boss told Drive.
Yet the Smitherman was confident customers wouldn’t be waiting and more than enough Shark 6 stock will be available for its expanding dealer network and growing number of customers.
“Absolutely, very confident,” he said when asked about supply of the Shark 6 for Australian buyers.
“We have not yet launched that vehicle, and I think they got 5000 orders for this vehicle that very few people have test driven.
“We’ve literally got boat after boat coming our way. BYD is a wonderful supplier, and our stocks overall are very, very low across the business here.
“But from a supply chain [perspective], we have a very strong supply chain, but certainly at this point where we’re chasing to catch up with the demand.
“It’s a tough market out there, right – there’s a lot that we need to get right,” Smitherman said.
EVDirect has ambitious sales targets for BYD in Australia – increasing considerably year-on-year as it launches more models such as the Shark 6 and the Sealion 7 in 2025.
The Shark 6 will play a key role in BYD’s 2025 sales push, where it looks to double its 2024 sales which look set to be around 20,000.
At $57,990 before on-road costs, the Shark 6 will be offered in a single trim level from launch, which includes a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering more power than a Ford Ranger Raptor.
The Shark 6 will likely be cheaper than the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) – with Ford yet to announce pricing – set for an early 2025 launch.
In February 2025, the Sealion 7 will arrive, which Smitherman said will overtake the BYD Seal as the brand’s best-selling electric car in Australia.
“[We’re] very focused at the moment, on SUV and ute, as evidenced by Shark and Sealion 7. That’s where we know the big, big segments are.”
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