BYD Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf Earn Coveted South African Car of the Year Finalist Spots
BYD South Africa has proudly confirmed that two of its standout new-energy vehicles, the BYD Shark 6 and the BYD Dolphin Surf, have been selected as finalists for the prestigious 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) awards. The recognition underscores the brand’s rapid rise in the local market and reflects the vehicles’ innovation, performance, and growing popularity among South African drivers.
The Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf will now advance to the final stage of the COTY process, where they will undergo comprehensive testing by an expert panel of jurors. This rigorous evaluation will assess key criteria such as on-road performance, cutting-edge technology, design innovation, energy efficiency, and overall driving experience—areas that align closely with BYD’s mission to deliver practical and sustainable mobility solutions.
“Having entered the South African market in mid-2023, BYD has already secured not one but two vehicles as finalists, demonstrating our brand’s strong appeal and understanding of what the local market needs,” .
says Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD South Africa
Power Meets Efficiency: BYD Shark 6
The BYD Shark 6 marks the brand’s bold entry into the competitive double-cab bakkie segment. As a powerful plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Shark 6 combines robust performance and adventure-ready capability with impressive efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Designed to handle South Africa’s diverse driving conditions, it offers a compelling blend of strength, versatility, and sustainability.
Affordable Electric Mobility: BYD Dolphin Surf
On the other end of the spectrum, the BYD Dolphin Surf is redefining urban mobility. As South Africa’s most affordable fully electric vehicle, it delivers agile handling, a dynamic compact platform, and an exceptional balance of range, smart technology, and value. The Dolphin Surf is tailored for everyday driving, making electric mobility more accessible to a broader audience.
Advanced Technology and Local Focus
Both finalists are equipped with BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery technology, advanced driver assistance systems, and intuitive, user-friendly interfaces. These features set new benchmarks in their respective segments and highlight BYD’s ability to fuse advanced new-energy engineering with user-centric design suited to local needs.
The nominations follow strong consumer demand and positive critical reception since both models’ South African debuts, reinforcing BYD’s momentum in the country’s evolving automotive landscape.
Driving South Africa’s Electric Future
As part of its commitment to accelerating South Africa’s transition to electric mobility, BYD continues to collaborate with key public and private sector partners, including Eskom and Absa, to expand charging infrastructure and promote accessible new-energy vehicle (NEV) adoption nationwide.
“The Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf represent our dedication to providing South Africans with reliable, efficient, and forward-thinking options that meet the demands of our diverse roads and lifestyles. We’re excited to showcase what these vehicles can do in the final evaluation and remain committed to accelerating the country’s shift toward sustainable mobility.”
says Mark Handley, Commercial Director of BYD South Africa
BYD South Africa continues to lead the charge in new-energy vehicles, offering affordable, high-quality NEVs and hybrids that support a greener future. The final winners of the 2026 South African Car of the Year awards will be announced later in 2026 following the completion of the evaluation process.
For more information, visit www.byd.com/za.
