The Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf will now advance to the final round, where they will undergo rigorous evaluation by an expert panel of COTY jurors. The evaluation process will assess on-road performance, cutting-edge technology, design innovation, energy efficiency, and overall driving experience – criteria that align with BYD’s commitment to delivering practical, sustainable mobility solutions.

“Having entered the South African market in mid-2023, BYD has already secured not one but two vehicles as finalists, demonstrating our brand’s strong appeal and understanding of what the local market needs,” says Steve Chang, Managing Director, BYD South Africa.

The Shark 6, BYD’s powerful new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) double-cab bakkie, delivers bold capability with its powerful plug-in hybrid system, combining robust performance and adventure-ready features without compromising on efficiency or environmental responsibility.  The Dolphin Surf, South Africa’s most affordable fully electric vehicle, redefines compact urban mobility with its agile, dynamic platform, offering exceptional range, smart technology, and affordability for everyday drivers.  Both models feature BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery technology, advanced driver assistance systems, and user-friendly interfaces, setting new standards in the local market.

These nominations follow strong consumer demand and critical acclaim for both models following their respective South African debuts, highlighting BYD’s unique ability to fuse advanced new-energy engineering with user-centric design tailored to local demand.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support South Africa’s transition to electric mobility, BYD continues to collaborate with key public and private sector partners, including Eskom and Absa, to build a robust charging infrastructure and promote accessible NEV adoption nationwide.

“The Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf represent our dedication to providing South Africans with reliable, efficient, and forward-thinking options that meet the demands of our diverse roads and lifestyles. We’re excited to showcase what these vehicles can do in the final evaluation and remain committed to accelerating the country’s shift toward sustainable mobility,” adds Mark Handley, Commercial Director, BYD South Africa.

BYD South Africa continues to lead the charge in new energy vehicles, delivering affordable, high-quality NEVs and hybrids that support a greener future for all South Africans.

The final Car of the Year winners will be announced following the completion of the evaluation process later in 2026.

For full specifications, detailed features, and the latest updates on BYD’s Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf, visit byd.com

About BYD

BYD is a multinational leader in technology, devoted to leveraging innovation for a better life. As the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), BYD’s mission is to accelerate the global transition to sustainable energy. The company’s offerings encompass a wide range of NEVs, including electric buses, trucks, and passenger vehicles, alongside key industries such as batteries, renewable energy generation, and energy storage systems.

The post BYD Shark and Dolphin Surf Earn Coveted South African Car of The Year Finalist Spots appeared first on Stage and Screen.

More than a car launch, the arrival of the Sea Lion 5 marks another milestone in BYD’s mission to help solve South Africa’s energy and mobility challenges, not just sell vehicles. “BYD is not just a car manufacturer. We’re a technology company focused on creating a cleaner, smarter future. The Sea Lion 5 represents how innovation can meet real South African needs, combining energy efficiency, advanced safety, and everyday utility,” says Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director, BYD Auto South Africa.

Built on BYD’s DMI (Dual-Mode Intelligent) hybrid platform, the plug-in hybrid Sea Lion 5 bridges the gap between electric and conventional mobility, introducing South Africans to electric mobility without the “range fear” that can come with driving pure electric.

The family SUV combines spacious versatility with intuitive technology, featuring a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, wireless charging, an intelligent voice control system, and a large infotainment screen that anchors its refined, modern interior.

The launch follows the recent visit to Johannesburg by Ms. Stella Li, BYD’s Executive Vice President, who reinforced the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa. During her engagements, she highlighted BYD’s ambition to support South Africa’s transition to cleaner transport and energy solutions, with investment plans spanning new-energy vehicles, charging infrastructure, and partnerships with government and the private sector, aimed at strengthening the country’s sustainable automotive ecosystem.

Full specifications and pricing for the Sea Lion 5 will be revealed in November ,followed by consumer sales across BYD dealerships countrywide.

The Sea Lion 5 joins BYD’s growing local portfolio of Pure Electric and Super Plug-in Hybrid models, which already includes the recently launched BYD Dolphin Surf (South Africa’s most affordable EV) as well as the BYD Sea Lion 6, Sea Lion 7, Shark 6, Seal and others. Together, these vehicles represent BYD’s vision to make sustainable mobility accessible to every type of South African driver.

The post BYD Poised To Launch New Super Plug-In Hybrid Sea Lion 5 appeared first on Stage and Screen.