Will China's BYD Bring the F3DM to the U.S. or will this be Just Another Broken Promise?

When it comes to making cars, China is king. We’re talking the world’s largest car market, with over a hundred individual marques. So why is it that there are virtually zero Chinese car manufactures selling cars in the U.S. aka the world’s other largest car market?

So far, China’s “Big Four” (well, the four most visible to those outside of China) have made and broken promises of bringing their vehicles to the North American market. Brilliance, Chery, Nanjing and Geely have all backed down from their plans to open dealerships and factories stateside. So far, not a single car from China's major automakers has touched down on U.S. soil outside a motor show.

Read more »

China's BYD Debuts Lexus RX-Inspired S6DM Dual-Mode Hybrid at Detroit Motor Show

Chinese automaker BYD marked its fourth consecutive appearance at the North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the S6DM hybrid, with the DM in the name standing for "Dual-Mode".

The gasoline-electric hybrid is based on the Chinese firm's S6, a mid-size SUV model first introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2009. And no, you're not the only one to find the overall styling of the S6 reminiscent of the previous generation Lexus RX.

Read more »

Daimler and BYD Join Forces, Create a New Brand with Electric Cars for China

Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler AG have set up a new joint venture called "Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd," to develop electric vehicles for China.

The two companies said that they are planning to invest a total of 600 million yuan (US$87.9 million) in the 50-50 partnership in China.

According to a statement made by Daimler, the German automaker will bring its "know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety" to the venture, while BYD will contribute "it's excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems".

Read more »

BYD Auto F3DM EV: China's Volt Makes it to Detroit, will be Launched in the States by 2011

Along with the E6 fully-electric crossover, China's BYD Auto (which stands for Build Your Dreams) also showcased the F3DM plug-in hybrid sedan at its Detroit Show stand. This is not the first time we've seen the F3DM in the U.S. as the Chinese automaker displayed the car at last year's NAIAS.

Looking a lot like a previous generation Toyota Corolla, the 4,533mm (178.4 inches) long FD3M makes use of a small 1.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 168hp (125kw).

Even though some sites have reported now and in the past that the F3DM's hybrid drivetrain works in the same that the Chevy Volt's does, meaning that the gasoline engine doesn't drive the wheels but charges the battery, BYD Auto's press release clearly points towards a system similar to the one found in the Prius.

"When the vehicle needs more power to accelerate, a gasoline engine and an electric motor drive the wheels together to provide greater output and torque," BYD Auto states in the F3DM's press release.

BYD claims that the plug-in hybrid sedan can drive up to 100km or 62 miles on electricity and 580km or 360 miles on a single battery charge and a full tank of gasoline.

The Chinese maker says that the F3DM's battery pack can be charged to 50% power via quick charge in 10 minutes, and 100% power via household charge in seven hours.

The vehicle also features a solar panel sunroof, which can be used to channel power to the battery pack.

According to BYD, the F3DM can sprint from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 10.5 seconds and go on to reach a top speed of 150 km/h or 93mph.

The plug-in hybrid sedan recently went on sale in China for the U.S. equivalent of around $22,000. The company said that it plans to sell the F3DM in the States by 2011.

China's BYD Auto Displays E6 All-Electric Crossover at Detroit Show, Says U.S. Sales Start this Year

In its third consecutive appearance at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chinese car manufacturer BYD Auto exhibited the all-electric E6 crossover that is planned to go on sale in the United States later this year - or so the company claims.

The E6 measures 4,554mm (179.3 inches ) long, 1,882mm (71.7 inches) wide and 1,630mm (64.2 inches) tall, and can seat up to five-passengers.

It is powered by an electric motor that produces 75kW or 101HP and 450Nm or 332 lb-ft of torque, and drives the front wheels.

BYD Auto says that the E6's FE battery pack offers a driving range of around 330km or 205 miles and can be recharged via any household outlet.

According to the company, the crossover is capable of accelerating from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in less than 14 seconds and has a top speed of 140km/h or 87mph.

BYD Auto e6 Specifications

Length - 4554mm (179.3in )

Width - 1822mm (71.7in )

Height - 1630mm (64.2in )

Wheelbase - 2830mm (111.4in )

Track - 1556mm/1558mm (61in/61in )

Curb weight - 2295kg (5060lbs)

Capacity - 5 seats

Gradeability - ≥30%

Maximum speed - 140km/h (87mph )

0-60mph - Less than 14 seconds

Front motor power/torque - 75kw/450Nm (101hp/332lb-ft)

Rear motor power/torque - N/A

Combined power/torque - N/A

Type - Permanent-magnet type synchronous motor

Power management system - Intelligent central management system

Power outlet - DC380/100A

Range(Cruising mode) - 330km (205 miles )

Actual EV range might vary due to different driving behaviors.

All parameters are for reference only and maybe vary during commercial launch.