New all-electric Chinese brand BYD will launch in the UK through showrooms operated by one of the country’s largest dealer groups early next year.

Pendragon, which operates under the Evans Halshaw and Stratstone brands, revealed the plans to the “lead UK launch partner” in its latest financial results.

While details are scarce at this stage, the dealer group describes the negotiations to sell BYD’s range of electric cars through its showrooms as at an “advanced” stage.

The exact timing of the launch was not revealed. However, for such an announcement to be put into official financial results of a UK stock market listed company, experts believe the arrival of BYD must be imminent. BYD itself has said it intends to launch in Europe this autumn.

Chinese brand BYD will showcase its range of electric cars and commercial vehicles to Europe at the Paris Motor Show next month. In a recent statement about the manufacturer’s plans for launch across Europe, a spokesman for BYD said: “BYD, is set to enter major European markets with a range of new energy passenger vehicles this autumn 2022. 

“The company introduces three full-electric passenger vehicles: the sleek and sporty E-segment sedan BYD Han, the BYD Tang, a zero-emission 7-seater family SUV and the European styled BYD Atto 3, an expressive electric C-segment SUV. All models are well suited to the expectations and needs of European customers with a premium feel and extensive specifications, making them accessible for large and diverse groups of customers.”

New BYD Atto 3 electric SUV to launch in UK soon

The Atto 3 will be the first car to reach the UK