BYD Auto South Africa has reached another major milestone, announcing that its Dolphin Surf and Shark 6 models have officially been nominated for the highly respected 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) Awards. The recognition underscores the brand’s rapid rise in the local automotive industry and its growing influence in the shift toward sustainable mobility.
The announcement arrives shortly after the successful launch of the Sealion 5, BYD’s latest plug-in hybrid SUV, which has captured national attention for its blend of performance, safety, and next-generation electric innovation. With South Africans increasingly embracing new energy vehicles (NEVs), BYD has quickly become one of the country’s most dynamic and disruptive automotive brands since entering the market in 2023.
A Fast-Growing Automotive Powerhouse in South Africa
In just a short time, BYD has expanded from a newcomer to a dominant player, driven by its focus on affordable, sustainable technology. Local drivers have responded strongly to the brand’s combination of value, innovation, and environmental responsibility. As energy challenges continue to shape mobility choices in South Africa, BYD’s NEV-focused approach has positioned it as a leader in the transition to hybrid and electric transport.
Why the BYD Shark 6 Is Capturing National Attention
The BYD Shark 6 is turning heads as South Africa’s first plug-in hybrid pickup in its class. Built for adventurers, professionals, and families, the Shark’s specifications make it one of the most compelling bakkies on the market:
- 1.5-litre turbo hybrid engine paired with BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery
- 321 kW of total power and strong torque for towing and off-road capability
- Exceptional fuel efficiency and low running costs
- Sustainable interior materials and intelligent tech, including hyper-local navigation
- Designed to thrive across South Africa’s varied terrain—from highways to farms
With its combination of rugged capability and advanced electrification, the Shark 6 pushes the boundaries of what a modern bakkie can be.
Dolphin Surf: The Compact EV Making Electric Mobility Accessible
The BYD Dolphin Surf, a compact electric hatchback designed for urban lifestyles, has emerged as a game-changer for everyday commuters. Built on BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0, it delivers impressive performance and class-leading safety:
- 38.88 kWh Blade Battery with up to 295 km range
- Fast charging: 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes
- 75 HP and 135 Nm with 0–50 km/h in 4.9 seconds
- Top speed of 130 km/h
- Safety systems: ESC, ABS, Auto Hold
- Spacious interior with 316 L boot capacity, expandable to 1,037 L
At an accessible price point, the Dolphin Surf is helping democratise EV ownership in South Africa, offering reliable, eco-friendly mobility while supporting features like multilingual voice search optimisation for local users.
Built on the Momentum of the Sealion 5
The nominations also build on BYD’s momentum following the launch of the Sealion 5, South Africa’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV, starting at R499,900. Offered with a five-year/100,000 km warranty, the Sealion 5 has already impressed buyers with its smooth hybrid transitions, robust driver assistance systems, and exceptional value for money.
BYD’s Vision for a Cleaner, Smarter Automotive Future
“These nominations are a tremendous honour for BYD and a clear sign of how quickly South Africans are embracing the future of mobility. Both the Dolphin Surf and the Shark represent BYD’s commitment to innovation, safety, and accessible electric technology. Their recognition at the Car of the Year Awards shows that South Africa is ready for smarter, cleaner, and more advanced vehicles, and we are proud to help lead that transition.”
said Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa
Driving South Africa Toward Sustainable Mobility
BYD’s rapid rise reflects its global leadership in NEV innovation—now tailored to South Africa’s roads and lifestyle. The nominations for the Dolphin Surf and Shark 6 not only celebrate engineering excellence but also highlight BYD’s transformative impact on the local automotive landscape, accelerating the adoption of sustainable transportation and empowering communities with reliable, cost-effective mobility solutions.
As South Africa continues its journey toward a cleaner and more energy-efficient future, BYD stands at the forefront, shaping the next chapter of automotive evolution.