It is made by BYD aka Build Your Dreams. Hope it comes here and that they change the name before it does,
This could really challenge the Tesla Model 3.
It looks great inside and out
I noticed in the Seal brochure that there is no mention of towing capacity, nor can I find it online. Don't need to tow a trailer but I do want to be able to to fit a bike rack.
Hopefully it is designed to take a towbar.
Checked online for insurance and the Seal does not seem to be in the database yet.
A base model Seal is €25k in China, that is basically cost price vs €46k here. With such low margins in China automakers there need to make inroads in Europe.
The US has pretty much shut out China made cars with 27.5% tariffs. The EU imposes 10%, but that could jump in the next year.
Oh I know they don't sell many, I like the car but it's mental money. That is just an example I'd seen and couldn't believe how much VRT was on it.
Electric cars are just the next distraction and money grab. They still occupy the same space as regular cars , they are inefficient use of space. Providing proper public transport where possible is the solution... obviously they are far better for improving local air quality and reduced noise...
The Government are not getting that very often as not many people are buying the Mustang Mach 1.
That's crazy money for a Ford do.
Yep, that's my thoughts.
I get there is additional testing, or custom software localisation that will drive costs, but I can't see how this would bump the price by 5 or 10k per unit.
Id be interested to hear from anyone with more experience
There's definitely not 2 production lines. You can guarantee they are building to EU or california safety specs and selling as is in China. They're might be subtle things like blinkers and lights but not alot more
What are "western safety and equipment standards"?
I've been in a fair few Chinese EVs and I honestly can't see much difference on the surface. I doubt that EU bound BYD cars have a completely different chassis, suspension, battery, motor, or interior.
Most EVs are already getting better NCAP scores than ICE cars anyways.
Does anyone know what the net retail price for one in China and here would be? That's probably the fairest way to compare. Take the Mustang Mach 1, here it is almost €97k inc. VAT and VRT, net retail price is €47k. The government are getting €50k on that car, more than the actual price, making it seem like Ford are ripping people off here but it's actually the government.
I'm in Suzhou in China. At a glance I'd say at least 30% of cars are all electric, and there's about 5 main EV players in the market.
If BYD wasn't making a healthy profit here they'd be long gone.
To be clear I've no problem with cars being more expensive when they land on our shores.
More so that this increase seems to be much higher on some cars than others.
Have to consider that China have a lower spec model of the seal to bring down price. With many Chinese manufactures, even same spec models have increased costs to meet western safety and equipment standards.
Don't forget the beefy VRT and import/transport costs and it works out fairly ok.
Big shame if thhr EU does more market meddling as its the customer that suffers. EU hamstrung the car market with crazy requirements which raised costs so that coupled with naturally higher production costs, means there's near zero competing with the Chinese behemoths.
The EU are already investigating Chinese electric car manufacturers for "flooding the matter with cheap EVs", so I don't think it's just on the car companies. The European manufacturers are afraid of losing business to the Chinese and are pressuring the EU to stop them, the same can be said for American cars, the Mustang is a lot cheaper in the US than over here for example.
I don't think anyone is arguing against the fact that things are more expensive here than in China.
More so the degree to which they are more expensive.
Cheapest Model 3 in China €30k, cheapest in Ireland €43k, 43% more expensive.
Cheapest BYD Seal in China €24.5k, cheapest in Ireland €47k, 92% more expensive.
And that's before you take in BYDs lower costs into account.
They simply don't sell anything over here as you can buy it cheaper in China. Tvs, phones, cars, white goods. They just don't sell. Its madness when you really think about it.
Indeed, I presume everyone is aware that the tesla model 3 is way cheaper in China aswell?
Supposedly no
I think they will sell at the price.
Is Comfort trim even coming to Ireland though?
Yeah the massive increase in price is crazy alright.
Especially given as they're making a profit selling it in China.
I can't see BYD selling many Seals at this price.
I was told October.
I was told they're expecting delivery in early October, I'd imagine even if they arrive then it'll be a few weeks before they're actually available.
Anyone who's been on the dealers.... Did they give any estimate on delivery? Like are we talking November? December? Or early Q1'24?
How do you know ? You understand the concept of market elevation, I.e some markets prop up the cost of others. Margins may be slim to non existent China. With wealthier locations paying for the development of the product .
Not equivalent though.
They can build a car to sell at 25k, so the car probably cost max 20k in parts. Which we spend 45k on.
Sales brochure
It’s in the sales brochure. Dealer thinks the comfort won’t come to Ireland. Brochure has no details for the comfort either.
Might be less sickening if you were on Chinese wages 🤔
Yeah, but it's sickening that the car starts at 25k euro in China.
Just heard back from BYD Ireland that both the Design Trim (RWD) and Excellence Trim (AWD) will have lumbar support. I assume the entry-level trim Comfort (RWD) will not. To be confirmed.
