BYD hits the fast lane with two models in South African Car of the Year semi‑finals
BYD Shark is a plug‑in hybrid that blends rugged capability with a high‑output electric drivetrain.
Image: Supplied / El Broide
BYD Auto South Africa has secured a coveted semi‑final place in the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition, marking a milestone for the brand’s growing presence on local roads.
The two contenders are the BYD Shark, a plug‑in hybrid that blends rugged capability with a high‑output electric drivetrain, and the BYD Dolphin Surf, a compact, fully electric hatchback designed for city driving. Both models will now face a rigorous, real‑world evaluation by the COTY jury, which will assess performance, technology, design, energy efficiency and overall driving experience.
BYD Dolphin Surf is a compact, fully electric hatchback designed for city driving.
Image: Supplied / El Broide
Since their South African debut, the Shark and Dolphin Surf have generated strong market interest, a response BYD attributes to its focus on user‑centric design and advanced new‑energy engineering.
“Being recognised by the Car of the Year jury is an important endorsement of the work we’re doing in South Africa,” said Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto 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 is collaborating with key partners, including Eskom and Absa, to build a robust charging ecosystem and support South Africa’s shift to electric mobility.
As the competition progresses, BYD positions itself not only as a car‑maker but as a technology pioneer, backed by an expanding product line‑up and increasing industry recognition.