BYD Auto South Africa has clinched a coveted semi-final spot in the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY), solidifying the brand’s accelerating momentum and expanding footprint in the local automotive landscape.
Two standout models, the BYD Shark and the BYD Dolphin Surf will now await possible election to the final round, where they will undergo intensive evaluation by an expert panel of Car of the Year jurors. The rigorous assessment process will evaluate real-world performance, cutting-edge technology, design innovation, energy efficiency, and overall driving experience.
The BYD Shark delivers bold capability with its powerful plug-in hybrid system, designed for adventure and performance without compromise. The BYD Dolphin Surf redefines compact urban mobility with its agile, fully electric platform, offering exceptional efficiency and smart technology for the modern driver.
The recognition follows an overwhelmingly positive market response to both vehicles since their South African debut – a testament to BYD’s unique ability to fuse advanced new-energy engineering with practical, user-centric design.
Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa, says the Car of the Year acknowledgement reinforces the brand’s broader ambitions in the region.
Welcoming the recognition, Chang says “Being recognised by the Car of the Year jury is an important endorsement of the work we’re doing in South Africa. It reflects our focus on bringing globally competitive electric and hybrid technology to the local market, while continuing to invest in innovation, faster charging solutions and partnerships that support long-term EV adoption,”.
BYD continues to collaborate with key public and private sector partners, including Eskom and Absa, to cultivate a robust ecosystem that supports South Africa’s shift toward electric mobility.
As the Car of the Year competition progresses, BYD reaffirms its role not only as an automotive contender, but also a pioneer in the technology space – backed by a growing product line-up and increasing industry recognition.
