BYD gains ground in Sri Lanka’s automotive market

From left: BYD Auto Industry Co., Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager Liu Xueliang; John Keells Holdings President – Retail Sector Charitha Subasinghe, BYD Auto Industry Co., Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division Deputy General Manager Ketsu Zhang and JKH Chairperson Krishan Balendra at Denza MoU signing 

Senior officials of JKCG Auto Ltd., and BYD at the launch of Shark 6 

• Unveils Shark 6 a rugged, off-road-ready plug-in hybrid pickup 
• Launches premium luxury brand Denza

The world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand, BYD recently  said it is making significant inroads in Sri Lanka’s automotive market just months after entering the country. 

Since the easing of import restrictions in early 2025, the brand has rapidly gained traction among Sri Lankan consumers, with growing demand for its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle range.

The progress was shared at a press conference hosted by John Keells CG Auto, BYD’s authorised distributor in Sri Lanka. Though a new entrant, BYD has already become a popular choice in both the electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) segments — reflecting an encouraging shift in consumer interest toward new energy mobility options

As of April 2025, BYD has recorded a notable increase in market share of Sri Lanka’s brand-new vehicle segment. Leading this demand are the BYD SEALION 6, powered by BYD’s Blade Battery and built on the advanced offering of a 1,092 km combined range and DiPilot intelligent driving assist; and the all-electric BYD ATTO 3, which delivers a 480 km real-world range, 30-50 min fast charging cycle and a smooth and responsive driving experience.  

Together, with models like the affordable, compact and cutting-edge BYD DOLPHIN, the powerful and elegant BYD SEAL and recently launched SHARK 6, a rugged, off-road-ready plug-in hybrid pickup designed for adventure, the brand is quickly becoming a fast favourite across a wide-cross section of Sri Lankan consumers transitioning to new energy mobility

Parallel to its market expansion, BYD and John Keells CG Auto are also growing their showroom and aftersales presence with new locations planned in Ampara and Rathnapura. These additions complement existing showrooms in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and Kurunegala, while after-sales service points are also expanding to cover Kandy, Galle, and Kurunegala, Ratnapura and Ampara strengthening support in all major automotive markets across Sri Lanka.

In addition to broadening its physical footprint, John Keells CG Auto is strengthening its relationship with BYD by expanding its portfolio to serve different segments of Sri Lanka’s automotive market. This includes plans to introduce Denza — BYD Group’s premium brand that integrates cutting-edge NEV technology with refined luxury. An MoU was signed between BYD and John Keells CG Auto to launch Denza in Sri Lanka, reinforcing the shared ambition to expand the reach of advanced NEV solutions in the country.

JKH Chairperson Krishan Balendra said: “BYD’s early success in Sri Lanka’s NEV segment reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared vision for the future of mobility. The upcoming introduction of Denza marks the beginning of yet another exciting chapter — bringing premium NEV experiences to local customers. It also stands as a testament to the trust BYD has placed in John Keells CG Auto to lead the brand’s continued expansion in Sri Lanka.” 

BYD Auto Industry Co., Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager Liu Xueliang said: “Sri Lanka is a key market for BYD in South Asia. While the scale of business in Sri Lanka is not on the same level of other markets we have entered in the region, Sri Lanka’s size means that it can still serve as a global case study for the positive impacts of electric mobility on a national scale.” 

As Sri Lanka’s interest in new energy mobility continues to grow, BYD and John Keells CG Auto are focused on expanding their presence and making NEVs more accessible to everyday consumers — catering to a broad range of the market from entry-level models to the luxury segment. With new showrooms and service centres underway, both partners are working towards building a strong foundation for long-term growth — and shaping the next chapter of Sri Lanka’s automotive journey.

 - Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera and Sameera Wijesinghe