BYD Shatters Sales Records in India Amid Intensifying Competition

Mumbai, August 18, 2025 – Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has achieved unprecedented sales in India, surpassing its entire 2024 total by early August 2025 with over 3,000 units sold. This marks the highest sales volume since BYD entered the Indian market.

Record-Breaking Performance
The Sealion 7 SUV led sales with 1,232 units sold in the first half of 2025. It was followed by the eMax 7 MPV, Atto 3 SUV, and Seal sedan, all positioned in India’s mid-to-high-end segment.

Growth Drivers
BYD attributes its surge to strategic expansion into smaller markets. Its "Horizontal Sales Strategy" extended dealership networks to 34 non-metro cities, broadening consumer access. The company anticipates further growth during India’s upcoming festive season starting September, historically a peak period for auto purchases.

Mounting Competitive Challenges
Despite record sales, BYD faces significant hurdles:

1. Localization Barriers: Indian regulators have repeatedly blocked BYD’s manufacturing plans, including a rejected $1 billion proposal in 2023. This forces BYD to rely on imports, incurring high tariffs.

2. New Entrants: Tesla and Vietnam’s VinFast entered India in July-August 2025. BYD now battles VinFast and Hyundai in the mid-market while contending with luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz at the premium end.

Strategic Outlook
"Crossing 3,000 sales months ahead of schedule reflects strong brand acceptance," stated a BYD India spokesperson. "While we celebrate this milestone, we’re acutely focused on navigating tariff constraints and heightened competition. Expanding our retail footprint remains key to sustaining momentum."

BYD’s success highlights India’s growing EV appetite but underscores the complex balance global automakers must strike between market opportunity and geopolitical realities.