BYD UK records record-breaking sales in the first quarter of 2026

• BYD achieves record sales in Q1 2026, registering 21,337* units
• March was a record-breaking month, with registrations of 15,162* – a rise of 134% compared to the previous year and UK market share of over 3.98%*
• The SEAL U DM-i was the most popular model in the BYD line-up across the three-month period
• As a result of unpredictable prices at the pumps, BYD is seeing considerable interest from UK car buyers in both its efficient Super Hybrid DM-i cars (offering up to 935** miles on a full tank), as well as its fully electric models

07 April 2026  BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (fully electric and plug-in hybrid), has built on its overall 2025 sales success by achieving its best ever Q1 sales result in the UK.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), BYD ended the quarter with a total of 21,337* vehicle registrations. Furthermore, demand for the latest 26-plate was strong; sales in March alone totalled 15,162* units – a record for the brand and enough to achieve a market share exceeding 3.98%*. This performance was bolstered by BYD’s ever-growing retail network which currently stands at 132 sites, with an aim to have 150 operational by this summer.

The quarterly result maintained BYD’s position as the leading New Energy Vehicle brand in the UK, with an 11%-plus* share of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in March. In addition to the arrival of several new models, including SEALION 5 DM-i and SEAL 6 (Saloon and Touring), as a result of unpredictable prices at the pumps, BYD is seeing considerable interest from UK car buyers in both its efficient Super Hybrid DM-i cars (offering up to 935 miles** on a full tank), as well as its fully electric models. In fact, strong sales were recorded across both powertrain types and a wide range of its portfolio. The most popular model over the period was the SEAL U DM-i, with the SEAL the most popular electric car.

“We’re naturally delighted to have achieved such impressive UK car sales in March and the overall quarter,” said Bono Ge, Country Manager of BYD UK. “Building on the growth which we’ve already had in this country since we arrived three years ago, our cars, with their strong value-for-money and appealing style and technology continue to really strike a chord with both private and fleet buyers up and down the country. As a result of the fluctuating prices at the pumps currently, we’re also seeing plenty of interest from British car buyers interested to learn more about our innovative electric, as well as plug-in hybrid, technologies.

I'd like to personally thank the drive and passion of our UK team and our retailer partners in delivering this success and we’re looking forward to having a really strong rest of the year, with plenty more interesting new BYD cars to come, as well as the UK launch of our technology-led premium brand, DENZA.” 

^{*Note to Editors: Figures based on SMMT data
**SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon}