BYD lifts prices for Atto 3, models ruled out for NZ

The local arm of BYD has lifted the price of its popular BYD Atto 3, just a few months after introducing the model to the New Zealand market.

The Atto 3 was introduced to the market priced from $52,990 for the entry-level 50kWh battery variant and $57,990 for the 60kWh battery variant.

The pair are priced from $55,990 and $59,990, respectively, with the change coming into effect on October 1.

The news follows numerous other price hikes from other manufacturers, many of which quoting inflation and supply shortages as reasons behind the decision to lift prices.

According to BYD brand manager Warren Willmot, these are also the reasons behind the local price hike.

“With the currency dropping away, and the cost of materials rising nine times in the last six months, we were not immune,” he told AutoTalk.

Willmot reiterated that those who ordered their car prior to October 1 will be paying the the original price.

“Initially when we launched BYD we secured enough stock of what we thought would last us to the end of the year. I am very pleased to let you know 1200 kiwis have secured they Atto 3 at the original price,” he added.

“At $59990 for the extended range we still believe the Atto 3 offers amazing value, and if buyers order now they can expect their car before Christmas.”

The Atto 3 has enjoyed a successful introduction to the market. It was the sixth best-selling new vehicle in the country in August, following that up by being the second best-selling electric vehicle in September.

Sales for the model comfortably eclipsed 500 across the two months, making its launch one of the most successful for a new-to-market brand in recent times.

Elsewhere, it’s been confirmed that New Zealand’s BYD line-up will not receive the Han or the Tang; the former a performance sedan and the latter a mid-size SUV.

So far, the marque has said it plans to bring the Atto 4 (badged overseas as the Seal) and the Atto 1 (badged overseas as the Dolphin) to New Zealand, along with a hybrid SUV with larger dimensions than the Atto 3.

It had been thought that this to-be-confirmed SUV would be the Tang, but that is not the case.