BYD NZ breaks 800 sales in record June

BYD New Zealand has broken through the 800 monthly sales mark for the first time, delivering a record June result that reflects rising demand and growing momentum for the electric vehicle brand.

“This isn’t about one good month. It’s a statement of intent. A declaration of who we are,” said BYD New Zealand national brand manager Warren Willmot in a message to dealership staff on Monday evening. “We’re not just hitting targets. We are making history.”

The final tally is expected to exceed 800 sales, with the figure still being confirmed as registration data was processed on June 30.

Willmot credited the network — “sales, service, finance, every person across every dealership” — for achieving a goal once considered ambitious. “What we just accomplished? That’s not a ceiling. We can do this. We will do this, again and again.”

June’s result follows a national discount campaign and continued interest in BYD models such as the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Sealion 7, all of which had reportedly been presold heading into July.

“ATTO, Dolphin, Sealion 7 — already presold,” Willmot told staff. “You’re not starting from zero. You’re already ahead.”

Pre-sales for three new models — Atto 1, Atto 2, and Atto 5 — are scheduled to begin in September. The Atto 1 is expected to be the BYD Seagull, while the Atto 2 is the newly revealed Yuan Up, and the Atto 5 is likely to be a variant of the Song Pro, known in some regions as the Sealion 5.

“These are entire new chapters,” Willmot wrote. “Entire new doors open.”

Some dealers have already secured fleet orders for the upcoming BYD Shark ute. Willmot said these early placements would lead to stronger long-term relationships. “You know what’s coming… repeat business, referrals, raving fans. They’re going to love them. We’re not just selling vehicles. We’re building loyalty. We’re building belief.”

He described the moment as “our watershed” and urged staff to approach the opportunity with confidence.

“That means: Invest. Promote. Take risks. Be bold. Because our BYD product will not let you down. It’s not just good — it’s getting better every day.”

Willmot also acknowledged the work of Ateco staff behind the scenes in logistics, accounts, and aftersales. “These are the unsung heroes. And they believe in what we’re doing too.”

He said BYD New Zealand continues to receive strong support from Ateco Group chairman Neville Crichton and managing director Roger Zagorski. “They are helping me navigate the BYD executive ranks at the factory… and believe me, that’s no small task! But they are doing it because they believe in you. They believe in us.”

“Let’s not shift gears slowly,” Willmot concluded. “Let’s go straight from second to overdrive. We’ve hit 800. Now we will smash through it.”