BYD’s first company-owned vehicle carrier has arrived in Australia, completing a voyage that began in China carrying almost 5,000 vehicles destined for local customers.

The BYD Zhengzhou docked in Melbourne this week, marking the completion of the ship’s maiden Australian voyage. The arrival follows reports last month that the vessel had departed China loaded with vehicles bound for Australian ports.

A total of 4,809 BYD and DENZA vehicles are aboard the ship, with Melbourne the first stop on a multi-city delivery schedule.

1

According to BYD, 1855 vehicles were unloaded at the Port of Melbourne, with the vessel now continuing to Sydney where a further 1519 vehicles will be delivered. The remaining 1435 vehicles are destined for Brisbane.

The shipment represents one of the largest single consignments of BYD vehicles to reach Australia and highlights the rapid growth of the Chinese brand locally. BYD says approximately 75 per cent of the vehicles carried aboard the ship have already been sold and are allocated to customer orders.

The company hosted customers, dealers and industry representatives at the Port of Melbourne to mark the vessel’s arrival, with some buyers able to watch their vehicles being unloaded.

The arrival of the BYD Zhengzhou is significant because it is the first vehicle transport ship owned and operated by the manufacturer to reach Australia. Traditionally, car makers rely on third-party shipping operators to move vehicles between markets.

1

Speaking after BYD announced the shipment, Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson described the move as “a stunt”, arguing that vehicle shipments arrive in Australia every week without attracting similar attention. BYD, however, has continued to emphasise the significance of operating its own shipping fleet as it works to increase supply and reduce delivery times for customers.

BYD has previously stated it intends to deliver 30,000 vehicles to Australian customers across April, May and June, with the dedicated shipping operation forming part of that strategy. The company also indicated it is prepared to continue using its own roll-on roll-off (RoRo) vessels for Australian deliveries where required, as it looks to reduce wait times and increase supply.

The latest shipment comes as demand for BYD’s growing range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles continues to strengthen, making the brand one of Australia’s fastest-growing automotive manufacturers.