BYD unveiled a new model in Chile, reinforcing its commitment to the Latin American market.
According to an official announcement from BYD, the BYD Seagull was recently launched in Santiago, Chile, marking a significant milestone for BYD's presence in the local market. As the eighth model introduced by BYD in Chile, the Seagull comes in two versions, offering NEDC-rated ranges of 300 kilometers and 380 kilometers respectively. Notably, the 380-kilometer range version can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes using DC fast charging.
The Seagull adopts a design inspired by marine aesthetics, offering three color options in Chile: Midnight Black, Sunny White, and Sprout Green. In terms of safety, the Seagull features a high-strength body structure, blade battery technology, six airbags, and an intelligent power braking system, ensuring comprehensive safety for passengers. Compared to other models in its class, the Seagull boasts significant technological and performance advantages. Equipped with an advanced intelligent cockpit system, it features a 10.1-inch adaptive floating pad, supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay, incorporates the "Hi BYD" voice assistant system, wireless phone charging, as well as USB Type A and Type C ports, providing drivers with a richer driving experience.
Overall, consumers in Latin America favor compact models and are sensitive to prices. Data shows that compact models account for over 60% of light vehicle sales in Brazil and Mexico, compared to only 30%-40% in the United States and Canada. Based on this market characteristic, BYD's models introduced in Latin America are tailored to meet consumer demands. In early March this year, BYD also launched the Dolphin Mini in Latin America, with a starting price slightly above $20,000. With its compact design and competitive pricing, it is likely to replicate the sales success of previous models such as the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Song Plus DM-i. According to data from the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association (ABVE), these three models helped increase sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Brazil from over 18,800 units in 2022 to more than 52,000 units in 2023.
Regarding the launch of the Seagull, Cristián Garcés, Brand Manager of ASTARA Group, a BYD distributor in Chile, stated: "The introduction of the BYD Seagull marks an important milestone for BYD in the Chilean market. This model integrates numerous designs and technologies, dedicated to enhancing the quality of urban mobility." Today, in the Chilean market, BYD has become a highly anticipated brand, known for its high performance, safety standards, and advanced technology. In the future, BYD will continue to increase investment in Latin American markets, including Chile, further enrich its product lineup, and optimize product performance. Additionally, BYD will actively respond to environmental calls, promoting the electrification of transportation in Chile and across Latin America, contributing to the creation of a clean and efficient urban transportation environment.