BYD Seal, Dolphin guns for 2024 World Car of the Year Titles

BYD Battery Electric Vehicles are competing for the 2024 World Car of the Year overall and category accolades, with the World Car Awards recognizing the BYD Seal performance sedan as a Top 10 Finalist for the WCOTY overall title and the BYD Dolphin hatchback as a Top 5 Finalist in the 2024 World Urban Car category. Both the BYD Seal and Dolphin, as finalists in their respective categories, are automatically considered for the 2024 World Car Design of the Year award.

BYD Dolphin (AC file photo)

Joining the Seal and Dolphin in the initial 36-car list of 2024 World Car Awards qualifiers is the BYD Atto 3 subcompact crossover, positioning BYD as one of only two brands with three eligible entries for this year’s World Car of the Year prize.

Antonio Zara III, president of Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI), the exclusive distributor of BYD cars in the country, expresses pride in the inclusion of the BYD Seal and Dolphin as finalists for 2024. He emphasizes the significance of having two models in contention for this year’s awards and three on the original eligibility list, highlighting BYD’s status as a brand and global leader in the New Energy Vehicle space.

Zara further elaborates on the significance of the shortlisted BYD models, noting that the ATTO 3 and Dolphin are already available in the Philippines at BYD Cars Philippines dealerships, embodying BYD’s core brand advantages in the local market, including innovation, technology, safety, range, and accessibility. He underscores the practicality and sustainability of BYD electric vehicles, particularly with the reinforcement of Ayala Corporation’s initiative to install 160 EV charging stations this year, making them viable mobility solutions for Filipino car buyers.

BYD Seal (AC file photo)

The World Car Awards, now in its 20th year, involves over 100 jurors comprising esteemed motoring journalists from various countries. Their task is to acknowledge automotive excellence, leadership, and innovation on a global scale in an ever-evolving automotive industry. Vehicles eligible for World Car of the Year must meet specific criteria, including production volumes of at least 10,000 units per year and pricing below the luxury car level in primary markets, among others.

Among the offerings from BYD Cars Philippines are four Battery Electric Vehicle models, including the BYD Han premium sedan and the BYD Tang seven-seat crossover.

One of this year’s contenders for World Car of the Year is the BYD Dolphin, a five-seat compact hatchback designed for urban driving. As part of the BYD Ocean Series of EVs, the Dolphin features a futuristic design with a unique, organic finish. Its design, built on the BYD e-platform 3.0, prioritizes maneuverability, comfort, and spaciousness for passengers and cargo. With extensive safety features and a competitive price of PHP 1,398,000, the BYD Dolphin offers everyday all-electric practicality in the local market.

The BYD Atto 3, the latest introduction by BYD Cars Philippines, is an all-electric subcompact crossover featuring a distinctive gym-inspired interior and cutting-edge design. Sharing the same platform as the Dolphin, the Atto 3 offers practical features and a user-friendly interface for vehicle control. With the proprietary BYD Blade Battery Technology, the Atto 3 delivers power, range, and safety. Available in two variants, the Atto 3 starts at PHP 1,598,000, offering customers options for range and features.

All vehicles sold by BYD Cars Philippines come with comprehensive warranties for customers’ peace of mind, including a 6-Year, or 150,000-kilometer, Vehicle Warranty, an 8-Year, or 160,000-kilometer, battery pack warranty, and an 8-Year, or 150,000-kilometer, electric motor warranty.

Ira Panganiban

Ira Panganiban

The author is a certified motorhead and has been a journalist for the past 30 years. He will be a journalist all his life. He thinks he is famous and his mother agrees. His father has another opinion on that matter. Email him at [email protected]