Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has announced it will assume direct control of its passenger vehicle distribution in Australia, ending its current arrangement with local partner EVDirect. The transition is set to take effect from July 2025.

The move will see BYD Australia become the official importer and distributor of its vehicles, marking a significant shift in the brand’s local operations.

“EVDirect have been brilliant partners acting as the distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in Australia,” said Wing You, General Manager of BYD Australia. “BYD Australia would like to thank EVDirect for its service and look forward to its new partnership as the brand continues to grow in Australia.”

EVDirect will step back from its importer role, bit it will maintain a presence in BYD’s Australian operations through a minority stake in a retail joint venture with Eagers Automotive Limited. The joint venture, known as EVDealer Group (EVDG), will handle BYD’s retail operations nationwide.

In a statement, EVDirect confirmed it will pivot its energy into building Australia’s largest new-energy vehicle retail platform alongside its JV partner, Eagers Automotive.

Luke Todd, Founder of EVDirect and incoming Executive Chairman of EVDG, said the company is entering a new chapter. “Now is the time to further unlock BYD’s immense potential for Australian drivers,” he said. “Phase One proved the BYD brand would thrive here; Phase Two will make new-energy vehicle ownership easier and more accessible than ever.”

Reflecting on EVDirect’s role in BYD’s market entry, Todd added: “As the inaugural importer, EVDirect is extremely proud of the role it has played in the launch of BYD into the Australian market, overseeing what has been one of the most successful new car brand launches in Australian history.”

Looking forward, Todd said EVDG will play a central role in the brand’s expansion. “We are investing heavily in our people, our systems, and expanding our dealer network to support BYD’s growth ambitions,” he said. “The JV partners will combine the best of both companies to provide an industry-leading sales and aftersales experience for BYD customers.”

The restructuring signals BYD’s confidence in the Australian market and its long-term commitment to local EV growth.

In April 2025, the BYD Shark recorded 1293 sales in Australia, making it the top-selling PHEV for the month despite a broader market downturn following the end of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption. 

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