Chinese automotive giant BYD has officially entered the Ethiopian market, unveiling five battery electric vehicle (BEV) models, including the Seagull hatchback and Tang SUV. The launch event, held in Addis Ababa, marked a collaboration with MOENCO, Ethiopia’s leading automotive distributor representing over 20 global brands, including Toyota.
To support its entry, BYD has established an after-sales service center and showroom in Kality, Addis Ababa, ensuring local access to vehicle purchases and maintenance. During the launch, BYD Africa’s Sales Director, Ramy Yao, described the move as a milestone in the company’s East African expansion.
MOENCO, a subsidiary of Inchcape PLC, also inaugurated a BYD vehicle showroom in Addis Ababa’s Megenagna area, offering a variety of electric and hybrid models with warranties of up to six years for vehicles and eight years for batteries.
BYD, now operating in 13 African countries, is making significant strides globally. Recent reports reveal the company is poised to surpass its annual sales target of four million vehicles, with 3.76 million units sold in the first eleven months of 2024, including 506,804 units in November alone.
Ethiopia’s government is actively promoting electric mobility, with plans to introduce nearly 500,000 EVs over the next decade. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics recently revised its strategy after surpassing initial targets, setting a goal to import 439,000 EVs by 2030.
BYD’s entry aligns with Ethiopia’s push towards sustainable transportation, signaling a transformative step for the nation’s automotive landscape.