Affordable version of BYD Yuan Up car model debuts sans advanced autonomous driving functions
The Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled a new variant of its popular electric SUV, the Yuan Up. This new model, priced at RMB 74,800 ($10,400), marks a strategic shift in BYD's smart driving strategy, as it comes without the advanced driver assistance system found in higher-tier trims [1][2].
The new variant, with a 32-kWh battery pack, offers a CLTC range of approximately 301 kilometers (187 miles WLTP). This is a significant reduction compared to the other three variants, which are equipped with a 45.12-kWh battery pack and boast a range of about 401 km CLTC (249 miles WLTP) [1][2].
This move by BYD is aimed at capturing a broader market segment by offering a more affordable electric SUV without advanced autonomous driving features. The strategy is to segment the product line, retaining the advanced driver assistance system in higher-tier trims while offering a lower-priced version without it [1][2].
The decision to remove the smart driving system from the entry-level Pilot edition reflects BYD’s strategy to balance cost and features to appeal to price-sensitive customers, especially amid competitive pressures and recent scrutiny over sales practices [2].
In the first half of this year, the Yuan family, including the Yuan Plus Smart Driving Edition and Yuan Plus Honor Edition, saw significant sales declines, selling 191,011 units, up 11.96 percent year-on-year. However, the sales figures for the new variant have not been disclosed yet [1].
It's worth noting that the Yuan Up is already launched in multiple overseas markets under the name Atto 2, including Europe and Malaysia [1]. The Yuan family contributed 8.90 percent of BYD Group's sales during the same period [1].
In a separate development, BYD announced L4 smart parking, promising to take responsibility for any losses incurred in China. The company also launched 21 models equipped with driver assist systems on February 10 [1].
Despite the sales decline, BYD's Yuan family has sold a total of 1.5 million units since its launch on March 26, 2024 [1]. The company's commitment to offering affordable and technologically advanced vehicles continues to set it apart in the competitive electric vehicle market.
[1] Source: BYD Official Website [2] Source: Automotive News China
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