Chinese automotive giant BYD is opening a brand-new dealership in Marsh Barton, Exeter.

BYD South West will be backed by local automotive powerhouse City West Country Group, who franchise out to Mercedes-Benz South West, SMART, Tangelo and GWM ORA.

The Exeter dealership will open its doors on August 1 at Waterbridge Court, where customers will have the opportunity to test drive the BYD ATTO 3.

Discussing the launch of BYD South West, City West Country Managing Director, Mike Wickins said: “We’re immensely proud that BYD UK has chosen Exeter and City West Country to begin their venture into the South West.

“The City West Country group is a growing eco-system of retail motoring in the region, with market-leading facilities that cater for all aspects, including short-term hire, servicing as well as used car buying and selling.”

Simon Bisp, Head of Sales at BYD UK added: “BYD are delighted to begin our partnership with City West Country in Exeter. As a family-run business with many years history of successfully delivering an exceptional customer experience, and values totally aligned with our own, they were an obvious choice to help us introduce the BYD brand to customers in the South West.

“As the world leader for sales of New Energy Vehicles (full electric and plug-in hybrid), we are excited to launch our stunning range of vehicles in the UK – and thrilled to be working with City West Country to do so.”

BYD - an acronym for ‘Build Your Dreams’ - is the world’s best-selling EV manufacturer, selling over 1.8 million vehicles in 2022.

Their premium line-up includes the ATTO 3, an SUV with a 261-mile range, the SEAL, an saloon which the company says rivals the likes of Tesla, as well as the DOLPHIN, a practical hatchback.

The BYD’s Blade Battery powers many of the Tesla vehicles we see on our roads and other forms of electric transportation.