SHENZHEN carmaker BYD is underscoring its global ambitions by showcasing eight new energy vehicle (NEV) models at the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) in Switzerland.

The century-old GIMS, which runs until Sunday, reopened its doors to car lovers for the first time since the pandemic.

At the show, the 2024 World Car Awards announced three finalists for each category. Two BYD models, the BYD Seal (Atto 4) and the BYD Dolphin, secured spots in the top three for the World Car of the Year and World Urban Car categories, respectively.

The nominations mark BYD as the first and only Chinese automaker to ever be shortlisted in the top three for the World Car of the Year category in the World Car Awards.

The World Car Awards is regarded as one of the top three automotive accolades globally. Dubbed the “Oscars of the automotive world,” it is particularly celebrated for its emphasis on international models.

At a launch ceremony held at the GIMS, BYD presented its independently developed DM-i hybrid technology to European consumers for the first time by unveiling a model equipped with the technology — the Song Plus DM-i. The model is marketed as the Seal U DM-i overseas and will become available in European markets in the second quarter of this year.

“We showcased the first-generation DM technology at the Geneva motor show 16 years ago,” said Shu Youxing, general manager of BYD’s European car sales division. “Today, we bring the innovative DM-i hybrid technology to the show. European consumers will discover the many advantages of this technology.”

Meanwhile, the Yangwang U8 plug-in hybrid, which represents BYD’s push into the luxury market and the carmaker’s technological prowess, also made its debut at the show. The luxury hybrid SUV is able to make a 360-degree tank turn and float on water.

Denza, a brand born from collaboration between BYD and Mercedes, brought its D9 minivan and the electric N7 SUV to the show, introducing the latter to European consumers for the first time.

Since announcing its entry into the European car market in September 2022, BYD has joined with local partners to rapidly promote multiple NEV models in 19 European countries and opened over 250 stores there. So far, BYD’s NEVs have a substantial presence in more than 400 cities in over 70 countries and regions, spanning six continents.

(Zhang Yu)