Chinese new entrant BYD is in the process of setting up fleet frameworks for leasing companies and end user fleets as it prepares for the launch of its second model in the UK.

Hot on the heels of the Atto 3 compact SUV, which has sold 84 units since it went on sale in March, more than half to true fleet, comes the Dolphin small electric hatchback with 265 miles of range and pricing starting at £25,490.

“We have been blown away by the reaction to the car,” said BYD UK marketing manager Mark Blundell (pictured above).

“It will be available from September/October time.”

BYD has been expanding its fleet team to handle growing interest, including the appointment this month of Malcolm Fryer as head of European remarketing and UK fleet sales. It has also been increasing its fleet demonstrator programme to get more cars out into the market.

“The B2B channel is really important,” Blundell said. “We have also opened five showrooms since March and have another couple due to open and are on schedule for 20-25 by the end of the year.”

A month after Dolphin, BYD will launch the Seal electric saloon, which Blundell said takes the company’s Blade battery technology to “the next level”.

He explained: “It is cell-to-body which means it takes up less space and is lighter. The 88kWh battery will give range of 340 miles for rear-wheel drive and 320 miles for all-wheel drive, and performance of 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds. It will be our halo car.”

Video: BYD at CCIA 2023

BYD’s fourth as-yet-unannounced model will arrive in Q1 2024, giving the company “coverage in most segments”.

It continues to assess its full 19-strong model line-up in China, which includes vans and trucks, to decide which ones to bring to the UK. Blundell expects decisions to be taken quickly.

“BYD’s culture is dynamism and speed of execution,” he said, adding that the brand’s USP centred on its battery heritage.

“We have the technical knowledge which gives us industry-leading batteries. We also have the vertical supply chain – the only parts of the car we don’t build ourselves are the tyres and windscreens.”