Since Chinese automaker BYD officially launched its range of passenger vehicles in South Africa in 2023, the brand’s vehicles have been available across several dealerships nationwide.
On 12 October 2025, in a move marking a major milestone in the brand’s expansion across South Africa, the Chinese carmaker officially opened its first flagship dealership in the premier area of Sandton, Gauteng.
This prime commercial space, strategically located near Nelson Mandela Square and set next to the Radisson Hotel on the corner of Rivonia Road and Daisy Street, was formerly home to a luxury vehicle dealership.
The 4,800 sqm, two-storey showroom features a ground floor display area that can accommodate up to 21 vehicles, with 17 currently on display. The upper floor includes a customer lounge, brand culture exhibition zones, and showcases the full lineup of BYD’s cutting-edge electric and hybrid vehicles.
The brand offers a diverse range of models, including the Atto 3 (a compact SUV crossover), Dolphin (a 5-door hatchback), Seal (a four-door sedan), Sealion 6 (a hybrid 5-door SUV), Sealion 7 (a 5-door electric SUV), Shark 6 (a plug-in hybrid double-cab bakkie), and the Dolphin Surf — currently the country’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV).
The local launch of the Dolphin Surf Comfort model in September 2025 marked a major milestone in EV affordability and accessibility. Offering 55 kW of power and a WLTP combined range of 232 km, along with a host of advanced technology and safety features, the stylish and budget-friendly model retails for R339,900.
The opening of this flagship site underscores BYD’s growing footprint in South Africa, supported by the world-class brokerage firm 3 Cube Property Solutions, which has been appointed to secure and facilitate BYD’s future dealership locations nationwide.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Founder and Chairman of BYD, whose presence marked a momentous occasion for the brand’s expansion into Africa.
Gregory Hing, Co-Founder of 3 Cube Property Solutions, who attended the launch, said: “We’re proud to be involved in supporting BYD’s rollout of future dealerships across South Africa and to see their vision come to life here in Sandton. This flagship dealership is an exciting step forward for the brand and for electric mobility in the country.”
The flagship dealership, symbolically named BYD Sandton 4S, is operated by Harmony Auto, a global automotive dealership group and BYD’s official partner for sales and service. Harmony Group has a presence in over 40 cities worldwide and operates more than 100 BYD dealerships. As in Chinese culture, names and symbols are chosen to connect with values and align with a brand’s objectives.
In the case of BYD Sandton 4S, the significance lies in the letter “S”, derived from the Chinese word “diàn” meaning “store” or “shop.” It also reflects the four core functions of the dealership: Sale, Spare Parts, Service, and Survey. The Service department handles everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs by technicians trained and certified by the manufacturer, while Survey covers ongoing customer feedback.
Mr. Liang Xinyue, President of Harmony Auto Overseas BYD Division and General Manager of the Asia-Pacific Region, stated: “The local operations team will deliver a warm and professional experience through Harmony Auto’s standardized service system.”
During the Sandton dealership launch, Harmony Auto revealed plans to open additional BYD dealerships across South Africa. In addition to expanding its retail footprint, BYD also aims to introduce ultra-fast charging technology in the future, helping users reduce vehicle costs and embrace green mobility. The rapid growth of Chinese automotive brands in recent years has reshaped the South African automotive landscape
Praised for their affordability, advanced technology, and extended warranties, Chinese-branded vehicles have seen a meteoric rise in sales and dealership representation. This growth has allowed them to narrow the market gap and increase their share of the domestic market — once dominated by German, Japanese, and Korean brands, some of which have since reduced their dealership footprints.