Zhang Yang

    nicolezyyy@163.com

    THE Shenzhen-based carmaker BYD finished a presale of 1,000 of its newest SUV model, the Song, after only one hour Monday.

    Buyers had to pay 1,999 yuan (US$313) to reserve the gas-powered SUV, which costs 150,000 yuan. Included in the price is the cost to register the car, sales tax and car insurance for the first year.

    The purchased cars will be handed over to buyers between Nov. 11 and Dec. 12, after buyers pay the full price at car dealerships. A BYD customer service representative said there isn’t a timetable for the next round of reservations.

    A hybrid-powered Song is expected to debut by the end of the year. Shenzhen residents will get subsidies of up to 35,000 yuan for each hybrid car purchased.

    BYD is the first domestic car brand with an online store.

    The website launched in 2011. Customers can reserve a car online by paying a deposit before going to the dealership to get the car.

    “As customers get used to shopping online, they are more willing to buy big-ticket items, like a car,” said a spokesperson of BYD, who declined to be named.

    He added that the online store is also used to get consumer feedback.