BYD opens first 'Megastore' in Sydney ahead of EV model expansion

The Australian importer of BYD electric cars, EVDirect, has opened its first ‘Megastore’ in Sydney as it prepares to launch four new models by the end of 2024.

EVDirect chief executive Luke Todd claims the Megastore retail concept is a “world first” by bringing the experience of traditional motor shows to the public.

“It’s taken all of the barriers away from that confronting episode of walking into a dealership and either getting good or bad service,” Todd told WhichCar.

“It’s supersized and automated the process of how you buy a car. And that is a world first. There is nothing like that.”

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The store in the suburb of Alexandria is located near Sydney Airport.

The immersive concept features cars on stands and a section with charging partner Ampol showcasing its home energy and AmpCharge products, plus installations demonstrating its 'Blade Battery' cells and third-generation EV platform.

Todd told WhichCar that it will soon open a separate centre nearby to facilitate deliveries and servicing through the Megastore.

It is the first flagship store planned as part of an expanded partnership with car dealership franchisee Eagers Automotive Limited. The company will continue with its fixed-price online purchasing model.

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EVDirect CEO Luke Todd in Alexandria BYD Megastore

Dolphin deliveries imminent, 2024 BYD Australian expansion plans revealed

EVDirect’s CEO also confirmed to WhichCar that the budget-friendly BYD Dolphin electric hatch will start deliveries ‘imminently’ after reservations opened in June.

According to the BYD Auto Australia website, new orders of the small EV – which is priced from $38,890 before on-road costs and incentives – are still on track for deliveries this month or October.

Additionally, Australian pricing, details and orders for the BYD Seal electric sedan are expected to arrive roughly next month.

The Tesla Model 3 rival will launch without the polarising ‘Build Your Dreams’ tailgate badging. The final badge strategy is yet to be determined and may differ from the example shown in the Alexandria Megastore which displays the ‘BYD’ acronym.

In 2024, a mystery BYD electric ute and a larger SUV – likely the midsize Seal U – are set to launch in Australia.

July 3, 2023: BYD ‘Megastores’, servicing & delivery centres to launch in Australia

The Australian distributor of Build Your Dreams (BYD) electric cars has announced plans to significantly expand its retail, delivery, and servicing presence in Australia.

Importer EVDirect plans to open ‘BYD Megastores’ in Brisbane and Sydney in early spring (September to November inclusive), intended to provide customers with an “immersive and educational experience”.

The flagship retail sites will add to its existing network of Eagers Automotive run showrooms and its own BYD Experience Centre in Sydney.

It's part of an expanded partnership with car dealership franchisee, Eagers Automotive Limited, under the subsidiary appropriately called the ‘EV Dealer Group’.

It is responsible for handling retail and aftersales provisions for BYD Automotive Australia.

Mass BYD delivery and servicing centres

Additionally, EVDirect will launch dedicated BYD Service and Fulfilment Centres in a similar approach to Tesla, which uses warehouses at select locations to facilitate deliveries en masse.

It aims to alleviate the pressure on BYD showrooms, Eagers’ preparation centres and its select MyCar Tyre and Auto servicing locations, as the company prepares to meet demand from the forthcoming budget-friendly BYD Dolphin electric hatch and Seal sedan, in addition to the current top-selling Atto 3 SUV.

The first BYD servicing and delivery site will open in August at Mascot, located next to Sydney Airport.

The company claims the location can prepare and handover 100 cars daily to new customers.

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EVDirect CEO Luke Todd and Queensland transport minister Mark Bailey announce BYD Dolphin pricing

Mystery BYD EV coming in 2024?

“... four more BYD models slated for release and delivery in Australia by the end of 2024..."

EVDirect chief executive Luke Todd said the company is quickly expanding to meet the projected growth in demand for BYD cars in Australia.

“The first year of deliveries of BYD products has been highly successful and unprecedented by volume and nationwide expansion,” Todd said.

“With four more BYD models slated for release and delivery in Australia by the end of 2024, the BYD brand will continue its exponential growth.

“Our company will continue investing in streamlined supply chain processes and product development of BYD vehicle models for the Australian market.”

The partnership expands on EVDirect’s joint venture with Eagers Automotive last year.

Previously, the distributor promised to exclusively sell vehicles online and use MyCar’s network to handle deliveries and servicing.

It has also backtracked on initially high and controversial capped-price servicing costs for the Atto 3 small electric SUV, while setting odd warranty exclusions for specific parts.

The same model was also subject to a sales pause shortly after its launch since it didn’t comply with Australian Design Rules to qualify as a five-seater vehicle.