Chinese new-energy vehicle brand BYD has finally started reporting its SA sales figures. Here’s how the automaker and each of its models fared in March 2026…
- BYD reports sales figures to Naamsa for first time
- Ranks 21st on list of SA’s top-selling automakers
- Dolphin Surf serves as BYD’s most popular model
After nearly 3 years in South Africa, Chinese new-energy vehicle brand BYD Auto has finally started reporting sales figures to industry representative body Naamsa. So, how did the Shenzhen-based automaker perform in March 2026?
Well, according to figures submitted to Naamsa, BYD Auto – which officially launched in Mzansi in mid-2023 – registered a total of 589 units in South Africa in March 2026. All local sales for the month came via the dealer channel.
That was enough to see it rank 21st on the list of South Africa’s best-selling automakers, just behind Mercedes-Benz SA (with a Naamsa-estimated 595 units) but well ahead of several so-called legacy automakers, such as Honda Motor Southern Africa (348 units), Mitsubishi Motors SA (241 units) and Mazda Southern Africa (209 units).
The Dolphin Surf hatchback – which holds the title of SA’s most affordable fully electric vehicle (EV), currently starting at R341 900 – was comfortably BYD’s best-selling product in March, with 239 units registered. That translates to 40.6% of the Chinese brand’s total for the month.
Next came the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which managed 130 units over the month. The Shark 6 (94 units) PHEV followed, ranking 12th on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies for March 2026 in the process, while the Sealion 5 (currently the local market’s most affordable PHEV, starting at R499 900) added 72 units.
The fully electric Atto 3 crossover (28 units), Seal sedan (9 units), Sealion 7 crossover (9 units) and Dolphin hatch (8 units) completed the picture for BYD in March. Later in 2026, the Chinese brand is expected to launch the Atto 2 and Sealion 8, while its Denza sub-brand is also on the cards for a local introduction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BYD’s South African Sales Performance
Q: Which BYD models are currently driving the brand’s sales in South Africa?
A: The Dolphin Surf hatchback is the brand’s clear frontrunner, accounting for over 40% of its March 2026 sales. It is followed by the Sealion 6 and Shark 6 plug-in hybrids. While BYD is known for pure electric vehicles (EVs), its “dual-mode” (PHEV) technology is proving particularly popular with local buyers looking for long-distance range security.
Q: How does BYD’s market position compare to traditional “legacy” car brands?
A: In its first month of official reporting, BYD has effectively disrupted the local hierarchy, ranking 21st overall. With 589 units sold, it narrowly trailed Mercedes-Benz but significantly outsold long-established names like Honda, Mitsubishi, and Mazda.
Q: What kind of warranty and battery protection do these new models offer?
A: BYD provides a standard 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty across its range. Crucially for EV and PHEV buyers, the “Blade” power battery carries a separate 8-year/150 000 km warranty (or up to 200 000 km depending on the specific model).
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