BYD renews contract with NZ distributor Ateco
From left: BYD’s Warren Wilmot, Xueliang Liu, and Wing You
Ateco Group has announced the renewal of its sales and distribution contract in New Zealand with global electric-car giant BYD.
The joint announcement by Ateco Group and BYD was formalised recently during a visit by Xueliang Liu, General Manager of BYD Auto Asia-Pacific, who travelled to New Zealand to mark the occasion.
Since the introduction of BYD in New Zealand in 2022, the brand has had success locally and played a key role in what is now one of the fastest-growing automotive brands globally.
BYD is the leading electric vehicle supplier to New Zealand Government agencies and one of the biggest sellers of electric cars to private and fleet buyers in New Zealand for the past three years in a row.
Close to 7000 electric and plug-in hybrid BYD vehicles have been sold in New Zealand over the past three years through a network of 15 showrooms.
Expressing pride in the achievements of BYD in New Zealand, Liu said: “The partnership between BYD and Ateco Group has been instrumental in bringing high-quality, innovative electric vehicles to New Zealand motorists. We are excited to continue this journey and further expand our presence in the market.”
As part of the renewed partnership, Ateco Group will launch 15 new BYD vehicles over the next 18 months, starting with the imminent arrival of the highly-anticipated BYD Shark plug-in hybrid ute and the Sealion 7 electric SUV.
Warren Willmot, General Manager of BYD New Zealand, said the renewed partnership demonstrated the dedication to growing the BYD brand in New Zealand – and giving motorists more choice in the low-emission and zero-emission new-car markets.
“We are committed to investing in the future of BYD in New Zealand, including the development of dedicated BYD showrooms and expanded service locations across the country,” said Willmot.
“Our goal is to establish BYD as a brand for all Kiwis, mirroring the widespread appeal that Holden once enjoyed at the pinnacle of the brand, both in the retail and fleet sectors.”
