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Another ute is on the way from China's BYD after successfully launching its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid in global markets like Australia.
Pictures of a mysterious new BYD ute have surfaced online, suggesting the Chinese brand is looking to bulk out its pick-up line-up in addition to the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid already on sale in Australia.
However, mystery surrounds exactly what the new model could be – and where it will be sold.
According to CarNewsChina, the camouflaged dual-cab will be a Chinese version of the Shark 6, wearing less chunky and aggressive styling as seen in export markets like Australia and South Africa.
Another possibility is an all-electric version of the Shark 6 – competing against the incoming Isuzu D-Max EV and LDV Terron – which was hinted at during the model’s Australian launch late last year.
Given Australia’s appetite for utes, and the warm reception of the Shark 6 that has so far sold 6129 units this year to make it more popular than the Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, and Mazda BT-50, BYD’s latest workhorse could arrive Down Under.
Also playing in the new ute’s favour is the fact BYD will take over Australian importation and distribution from third-part EVDirect from next month, wherein it can better negotiate with China headquarters on future products to bulk out showrooms.
Speaking to Drive at the Australian launch of the Shark 6 last year, EVDirect CEO David Smitherman confirmed the plug-in hybrid ute would not be the only pick-up in the local BYD stable.
“I can assure you there are more Sharks to come,” Smitherman said.
“We’ve made it really clear to BYD that this is a segment that we need to go after, and for that reason, there will be multiple options.
“This is our first vehicle, we’re keeping it very simple – one trim, three or four colours – to really make it a simple choice for people.
“This [Shark] is going to be a big part of the future.”
Of course, plans change, but with the Shark 6 positioned at $57,900 before on-road costs, it leaves room both above and below for more variants or different models.
With the Shark 6 featuring a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and dual-electric motors, for a combined output of 321kW/650Nm, and a 29.6kWh battery that is rated for an all-electric range of 100km, powertrain is the most obvious area where BYD could adjust.
A lower output powertrain and smaller battery could easily form the basis of a sub-Shark 6 model, while plans are already in place to increase displacement to 2.0 litres as a way of increasing braked towing capacity to a segment-standard 3500kg.
Either way, more information on BYD’s new ute is expected soon.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
