BYD bets on public transportation

BYD Co is betting on public transportation systems to adopt its electric vehicles and buses as a way to boost its lagging sales.
The Shenzhen-based company aims to more than triple its electric-vehicle sales this year to 8,000 units, including 2,000 buses, with the bulk of the cars targeted at the taxicab industry. BYD sold just 1,700 electric cars and 700 electric buses last year.
“We feel that the use of electric vehicles in public transport is the first step and a more realistic way to promote and popularize the products,” said Liu Xueliang, general manager for Asia-Pacific auto sales at BYD.
“With the more widespread use of our electric cars in public transport, we can further promote them to government organizations and retail car buyers,” Liu said.
BYD has several hundred electric taxicabs and buses operating in Shenzhen under partnerships with local companies, and hopes to expand the program elsewhere.
Liu also said the company would announce plans regarding the introduction of BYD’s green vehicles in Hong Kong, the company’s first major foray for electric cars outside mainland China.
BYD also is looking at introducing all-electric taxicabs in London, as well as other cities in Europe, Southeast Asia and South America. (February 25, 2013)