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BYD had already been nominated twice to the World Automobile Awards. This yr, it occurred: BYD turned the primary Chinese language automaker to clinch a prestigious World Automobile Award.
The highlight shone on the BYD Seagull (additionally recognized elsewhere because the Dolphin Mini) because it was introduced because the 2025 World City Automobile on the New York Worldwide Auto Present. This win meant the BYD Seagull edged out 11 different opponents from world wide, not solely a transparent signal of the rising energy of the Chinese language electrical automobile (EV) market, but additionally an enormous loss for the North American market (notably the US) which has been shunning electrical vehicles from China.
What struck the panel of 96 veteran automotive journalists was the BYD Seagull’s modern “Ocean Aesthetics” design, coupled with its excessive security requirements and superior sensible driving options. The automobile has additionally earned worldwide acclaim and is persistently a top-seller in a number of main markets.
Why the Seagull Flew Excessive
The BYD Seagull emerged victorious towards an preliminary pool of 12 contenders for the World City Automobile award, in the end surpassing the Hyundai Inster/Casper Electrical (final yr’s winner) and the Mini Cooper Electrical, which made up the ultimate shortlist. To be eligible, autos wanted to be out there in a minimum of two main markets throughout two continents, have an annual manufacturing exceeding 5,000 items, and measure not more than 4.25 meters. The Seagull met all these standards to assert the highest honor.
This win marks one other vital achievement for BYD throughout the World Automobile Awards. Simply final yr, the BYD Dolphin was a high 3 finalist in the identical class, whereas the BYD Seal acquired a nomination for World Automobile of the Yr.
Not within the US
Out there first in China, the Seagull’s autonomous driving model now has a beginning worth of 69,800 yuan (roughly $9,540 USD) earlier than subsidies. If it may well hurdle rules within the Center East, Australia, and even Canada, the automotive will likely be made out there to these markets. It’s going to almost definitely, a minimum of whereas the Trump administration nonetheless holds energy, by no means be out there within the US.
The compact EV measures 3,780 mm in size, 1,715 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in peak, with a wheelbase of two,500 mm. It’s powered by a front-mounted 55 kW (74 hp) electrical motor. Consumers have the choice of two lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery packs: a 30.1 kWh unit offering a 305 km (CLTC) vary, or a bigger 38.9 kWh model providing 405 km (CLTC) of vary. The Seagull additionally options quick charging capabilities, a 12.8-inch infotainment show, heated entrance seats, and USB fast-charging ports. Commonplace security options embrace autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warnings.
The most recent 2025 Seagull introduces superior driver-assistance options to the entry-level EV market, together with freeway autopilot, reminiscence navigation, and automatic parking, exceeding typical Degree 2 autonomy. Its DiPilot 100 system makes use of a complete array of twelve cameras, 5 radars, and twelve ultrasonic sensors.
Receiving the Award, Stella Li
From the stage, Stella Li, BYD’s Govt Vice President, conveyed the corporate’s immense delight and honor. She emphasised that this award displays BYD’s ongoing dedication to sustainable applied sciences and glorious customer support globally. Li additionally reiterated their dedication to rushing up the shift to inexperienced mobility and contributing to worldwide environmental efforts.
This victory provides to BYD’s rising presence and recognition on the World Automobile Awards. Simply final yr, in 2024, the BYD Dolphin was a top-three finalist for the World City Automobile award, and the BYD Seal was a finalist within the extremely aggressive “World Car of the Year” class. These earlier nominations already highlighted BYD’s rising affect and innovation within the world automotive scene.
The success of the BYD Seagull seemingly comes right down to its compelling design, which, with its “Ocean Aesthetics” philosophy, affords a very recent and vibrant look. Its dedication to excessive security requirements and the inclusion of sensible driving applied sciences have clearly struck a chord with each patrons and business consultants. Plus, its sturdy world gross sales numbers actually cement its place as a frontrunner within the city EV class.
This historic win for BYD seems like an actual turning level for the Chinese language auto business, exhibiting their capability to construct autos that not solely meet however exceed world benchmarks for design, innovation, and market attraction. As BYD retains pushing the envelope in electrical automobile tech, this World Automobile Award for the BYD Seagull positively marks an thrilling new part of their journey in the direction of changing into a world chief in sustainable transportation.
Li can be a World Automobile Award Recipient
Li is the World Car Person of the Year Awardee for 2025. The driving pressure behind BYD’s outstanding ascent since 1996, Li has been instrumental in reworking the corporate into one of many world’s automotive giants in beneath three many years. The celebration of their 10-millionth new power automobile in 2024 was a robust testomony to this speedy progress.
Li’s strategic planning and imaginative and prescient for world growth have been pivotal, reaching new milestones simply final yr. Her management champions each cutting-edge innovation and widespread accessibility — qualities clearly acknowledged by the World Automobile Awards. True to Li’s imaginative and prescient, BYD is bringing this superior know-how to the market at an accessible worth level.
The 2024 achievements beneath Li’s steering, culminating in each the celebrated World Automobile Individual Award in 2025 and BYD’s first World Automobile of the Yr Award, is proof of her profound affect on the worldwide automotive panorama.
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