BYD, a leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker, has made its entry into the Czech and Slovak automotive markets, marking another milestone in its expansion into Europe. The company’s initial offerings in these markets include two SUV models – the Sealion 07 EV and Song Plus DM-i, rebranded locally as the Sealion 7 and Seal U DM-i, respectively.
In a bid to strengthen its presence in the region, BYD plans to introduce the Seal sedan and the compact pure-electric SUV Yuan Plus in the Czech Republic and Slovakia at a later date. These models have been rebranded as Atto 3 in some markets. The company has already opened its first store in Prague, with plans to establish up to 30 stores across the Czech Republic by the end of 2025.
BYD has partnered with local dealer group Auto Impex to open its first store in Slovakia, located in the capital city of Bratislava. The company aims to have 20 stores in Slovakia by the end of 2025. Additionally, BYD will collaborate with Auto Louda, Direct Auto, Albion Cars, and Auto UH in the Czech Republic to expand its brand presence in the country.
The Sealion 07 EV, based on BYD’s new e-Platform 3.0 Evo technology platform, was first launched in China in May 2024. This model, positioned as a competitor to Tesla’s Model Y, has garnered international interest and is now available in several markets worldwide. The Song Plus DM-i hybrid SUV, another offering from BYD, is currently priced at RMB 135,800 in China.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, emphasized the company’s commitment to making sustainable technology accessible to a wider audience. BYD ceased production and sales of combustion engine-powered vehicles in March 2022, shifting its focus to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
In March 2025, BYD reported strong sales figures, with 377,420 NEVs sold globally, representing a 24.78% year-on-year increase. The company also achieved record overseas sales of 72,723 vehicles in the same month, signaling its growing presence in international markets.
With a strategic focus on expanding its reach in Europe, BYD’s foray into the Czech and Slovak markets underscores its commitment to sustainable mobility and technological innovation. As the company continues to introduce cutting-edge EV models and forge partnerships with key stakeholders, it is poised to make a significant impact in the automotive industry.
