China's BYD Is Expanding Into Japan's Mini-Car Market

If the quality is anything like their manufactured appliances it will be a win for the other EV manufacturers. Quality is poor, part availability is poor and there is no part standardization between different sites of production.

The Japs are morons if they allow this to happen. Not because China makes a good product, but because it will undercut their domestic auto industry.

Well, I guess we'll see how well BYD keeps tabs on the build quality. EV fires and faults in Japan won't be as easily censored as in China.

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Good luck suing the manufacturer for defects

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BYD comes with a 10 year warranty. I believe their quality reports are highly rated.

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Wrong again!

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I fail to see how this is an issue for us. Did we have a huge stake in vehicle sales in Japan or something?

Who cares?

I asked Grok 3 to do a Analysis on BYDs Reliability



BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has a mixed track record on reliability based on available data up to April 2025. As a relatively new player in many global markets, comprehensive long-term reliability data is limited compared to established brands like Toyota or Tesla. However, here’s a breakdown of what’s known:

Positive Aspects
Build Quality and Initial Impressions: Reviews often praise BYD’s fit and finish, with models like the BYD Seal and Atto 3 noted for solid construction and premium materials. For example, Auto Express reported no major concerns during long-term testing of the Atto 3, and Top Gear described the Seal’s build quality as comparable to Japanese or Korean brands.

Warranty Support: BYD offers a six-year/93,750-mile vehicle warranty and an eight-year/125,000-mile battery warranty, signaling confidence in their products. This is competitive, though it falls short of Kia’s seven-year warranty.

Safety and Durability: Models like the Atto 3 and Dolphin have earned five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings, with high scores for adult and child protection. Some users report durability, with a BYD Dolphin reaching 120,000 km with only minor maintenance (tires, brake pads).

Anecdotal Reliability: On platforms like Reddit, some owners of models like the BYD E6 (used as taxis) report reliability even after 300,000 km, with minor, easily fixed issues. Others with newer models like the Atto 3 note no problems after 6–12 months.

Challenges and Concerns
Limited Long-Term Data: As BYD is new to markets like the UK and Australia, it hasn’t yet appeared in major reliability surveys like the 2024 Driver Power survey, making long-term ownership insights scarce.

Logistics-Related Quality Issues: Reports highlight issues with export models, including chipped paint, mold due to improper storage, peeling plastics, and warped roofs in markets like Europe, Thailand, and Israel. These are often attributed to logistics rather than manufacturing defects, but they impact perceptions of quality.

Specific Model Issues:
BYD Atto 3: Common complaints include 12V battery failures, radio turning on spontaneously, window fogging, and software glitches (e.g., navigation issues). Many are fixable via over-the-air updates, but recurring battery issues concern owners.

BYD Seal and Dolphin: Some owners report software bugs, intrusive driver-assistance systems, and minor electronic failures (e.g., charge ports). Charging speeds (150kW max) and real-world efficiency are also criticized as subpar compared to rivals.

Customer Service and Dealer Network: In markets like Australia, customer service has been a pain point, with delays in parts delivery (e.g., tow bars, roof racks) and poor communication. The expanding but still limited dealer network can hinder service access compared to established brands.

Social Media Sentiment: Posts on X reflect polarized views. Some users praise models like the Atto 3 for durability, while others claim high defect rates (up to 40%) or issues like fires, though these claims lack substantiation and may be exaggerated.

Market Context
Global Expansion Challenges: BYD’s rapid growth (outpacing Tesla in global EV sales in 2023) has strained quality control, especially for exports. Issues like mold or paint defects stem from shipping and storage rather than core manufacturing, but they hurt reliability perceptions.

Comparison to Rivals: BYD’s reliability is less proven than Tesla or Hyundai, which benefit from longer market presence. However, BYD’s vertical integration (producing batteries, motors, and electronics in-house) could enhance long-term reliability if logistics improve.

Regional Variations: Reliability seems better in China, where BYD dominates, compared to export markets where teething issues are more common.

Conclusion
BYD vehicles show promise with strong build quality, competitive warranties, and positive owner experiences in some cases, but reliability is a mixed bag due to limited long-term data and export-related quality issues. Models like the Atto 3 and Seal have minor but fixable issues (e.g., software, 12V battery), and customer service can be inconsistent. For buyers, BYD’s affordability and tech are appealing, but those prioritizing proven reliability might prefer brands with longer track records. Always test-drive and research local dealer support before buying.
If you want me to dig deeper into a specific model or region, let me know!

Another John Barron China ev thread.

We don’t build tiny cars and tiny cars aren’t going to take over our market. It’s not a threat. Americans don’t even want EV’s.

Again, how does this hurt us? US vehicles in Japan have never been a huge market. Especially in the mini EV car market. This means frick all