The Australian electric vehicle landscape is experiencing a massive shakeup as BYD Australia takes complete control of its distribution operations. This strategic move, effective July 2025, marks the end of EVDirect’s role as the national distributor while strengthening the partnership with Eagers Automotive.
For Aussie car buyers, this change promises faster deliveries, better service, and expanded retail presence across the country. Let’s dive into what this control change means for you and the broader EV market.
What’s Actually Happening with BYD Australia?
From July 2025, BYD Australia Pty Ltd will serve as the official importer and distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in Australia, replacing EVDirect as the national distributor. This transition comes one year ahead of schedule, demonstrating BYD’s confidence in the Australian market.
EVDirect, which has been instrumental in BYD’s success since 2022, will step back from distribution duties but maintain a 20% stake in the retail operations. The EV Dealer Group, which handles retail sales alongside Eagers Automotive, will continue as the primary retail partner with Eagers holding 80% ownership.
This isn’t just a simple handover—it’s a strategic restructuring that aligns with BYD’s global approach to direct market control. The Chinese EV giant has implemented similar changes in Germany and other key markets as part of its aggressive international expansion.
The Eagers Automotive Partnership Continues Strong
Eagers Automotive, Australia’s largest automotive retailer, remains firmly committed to the BYD partnership. Eagers Automotive has signed a term sheet with BYD Australia for a new five-year dealer agreement, with an option for a further five-year term.
Keith Thornton, CEO of Eagers Automotive, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s future. The company will leverage its vast dealership infrastructure and industry expertise to deliver exceptional customer service across Australia.
The EV Dealer Group (EVDG) structure allows both companies to combine their strengths—BYD’s global manufacturing prowess with Eagers’ deep understanding of the Australian automotive retail landscape.
What This Means for BYD Customers
The transition to factory-direct distribution brings several tangible benefits for Australian BYD owners and prospective buyers:
Faster Stock Availability: Shorter wait times and greater stock availability, backed by BYD’s unparalleled right-hand-drive supply chain will reduce the lengthy delivery times that have plagued the EV market.
Enhanced Service Network: The partnership promises expanded retail footprint with innovative showroom formats and enhanced national after-sales support from Australia’s most experienced automotive retailer.
Direct Factory Support: With BYD Australia now controlling distribution, customers can expect more frequent product launches and faster implementation of product improvements based on local market feedback.
EVDirect’s Remarkable Journey and Transition
Luke Todd and his EVDirect team deserve massive credit for BYD’s Australian success story. EVDirect delivered more than 50,000 NEVs into Australia, overseeing what has been one of the most successful new car brand launches in Australian history.
Starting from zero market presence in 2022, EVDirect grew BYD from a single model (the Atto 3) to a comprehensive six-vehicle lineup spanning electric SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, and hybrid utes.
Todd, now the incoming Executive Chairman of the EV Dealer Group, describes the transition as moving from “Phase One” (proving BYD’s viability) to “Phase Two” (making EV ownership easier and more accessible than ever).
BYD’s Impressive Australian Portfolio
BYD’s current Australian lineup showcases the brand’s versatility and commitment to the local market:
Pure Electric Vehicles:
- BYD Atto 3: The affordable electric SUV that started it all
- BYD Dolphin: One of Australia’s cheapest electric cars
- BYD Seal: The premium electric sedan
- BYD Sealion 7: The latest electric SUV launched in February 2025
Plug-in Hybrid Options:
- BYD Sealion 6: The mid-size PHEV SUV
- BYD Shark 6: The revolutionary PHEV ute taking Australia by storm
BYD kicked 2025 off by announcing the Essentials range, cutting prices across its lineup and offering entry-level models, making EVs even more accessible. This aggressive pricing strategy has helped cement BYD’s position as a value leader in the Australian EV market.
Global Strategy Behind the Local Change
This Australian transition reflects BYD’s broader global strategy of establishing direct market control in key regions. In April, BYD sold more electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe than Tesla for the first time, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.
The factory-backed distribution model gives BYD several advantages:
- Direct pricing control without distributor markups
- Faster response to market demands and customer feedback
- Streamlined logistics for better inventory management
- Enhanced brand consistency across all touchpoints
BYD has also recently taken over its brand control in Germany, and the company is eyeing more market takeovers as it plans to further expand its overseas ventures.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
BYD’s Australian success has been nothing short of remarkable. Last year, BYD sold 20,458 vehicles in Australia, including 14,260 electric vehicles (EVs) and 6198 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), making it the market’s second best-selling EV brand.
The direct distribution model positions BYD perfectly for its next major milestone: introducing the premium Denza brand to Australia later in 2025. This expansion will compete directly with luxury European brands while maintaining BYD’s competitive pricing advantage.
Industry experts predict this move will accelerate EV adoption across Australia by improving the overall customer experience and reducing traditional automotive retail friction.
What Happens to Existing Warranties and Service?
Current BYD owners can rest easy—all existing warranties remain valid and honored under the new structure. Existing BYD owners will continue to receive service through the established after-sales network managed by the EV Dealer Group.
The service network expansion planned under the new arrangement should actually improve access to maintenance and repairs, particularly in regional areas where BYD presence has been limited.
Competitive Landscape Changes
This move puts BYD in line with other Chinese automotive brands that have adopted direct distribution models in Australia, including MG, GWM/Haval, Chery/Jaecoo, and Geely.
However, BYD’s approach differs through its strong retail partnership with Eagers Automotive, combining the benefits of factory-direct control with established local automotive retail expertise.
The hybrid distribution model (factory distribution + established retail network) could become the template for other international brands entering the Australian market.
Timeline and Implementation
The transition officially begins in July 2025, with BYD Australia assuming all import and distribution responsibilities. The changeover has been carefully planned to ensure zero disruption to customer orders or deliveries.
David Smitherman, appointed CEO of the EV Dealer Group, will oversee the retail operations transition while maintaining continuity for existing customers and expanding the network for future growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will BYD prices change with the new distribution model?
A: BYD Australia will have direct control over pricing, which typically leads to more competitive prices due to eliminated distributor margins.
Q: What happens to my existing BYD warranty?
A: All existing warranties remain fully valid and will be honored through the EV Dealer Group network.
Q: Will there be more BYD dealerships opening?
A: Yes, the new structure allows for expanded retail footprint with BYD Australia’s approval.
The Bottom Line: BYD’s control change represents a win-win scenario for Australian consumers. You get the benefits of factory-direct distribution (better prices, faster deliveries, improved service) while maintaining the trusted retail experience through the established Eagers network.
This strategic move positions BYD for continued growth in Australia’s rapidly expanding EV market while setting the stage for premium brand expansion through Denza’s upcoming launch.
The Australian EV revolution just got a major boost, and BYD is leading the charge with this smart distribution strategy that puts customers first.