BYD has formed a strategic partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing platform, to offer discounted rates on up to 50,000 EVs for fleets and drivers. The collaboration extends across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, reports The Edge Singapore.
Under the agreement, taxi fleets and drivers affiliated with Grab can rent or buy BYD models—such as the Denza D9, Atto 3, Seal, and M6—at reduced prices, along with extended battery warranties.
Following BYD's full acquisition of Denza after ending its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz in September 2024, the premium EV brand has become integral to this new initiative. The Denza D9 will join the GrabExec fleet, offering luxury travel options. This strategic move supports Grab's commitment to eco-friendly transportation and enhanced customer experience.
The collaboration includes using IoT technology and vehicle sensors to gather real-time data, such as vehicle speed and wiper activity. This data will help optimize driver routes by evaluating weather and traffic patterns while directing them to areas with higher ride demand, ultimately reducing order surges and improving efficiency.
Chuck Kim, Business Development Manager at Grab Group, emphasized that the partnership will reduce costs for taxi companies and drivers, making EVs more economical and fuel-efficient over time. Kim added that BYD's participation would showcase the advantages of EVs in fostering sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.
Xueliang Liu, BYD's Asia-Pacific Automotive Sales general manager, highlighted the company's dedication to incorporating advanced technology into Grab's services to offer a better riding experience. Liu noted that the partnership prioritizes environmental sustainability through green transportation, aligning with global climate change efforts.
In 2024, BYD sold 4.27 million vehicles globally, with nearly 420,000 outside China, demonstrating its growth and reinforcing its status as the leader in new energy vehicle sales. The company has made expanding internationally a strategic focus, targeting overseas sales to eventually comprise 50% of its total, though no timeline has been set for this goal.
In its Southeast Asian operations, BYD has rapidly established market leadership, delivering 70,000 vehicles in 2023, achieving a 35% market share, and overtaking competitors like Tesla and VinFast. The company continues to strengthen its regional presence with a new factory in Rayong, Thailand, set to produce 150,000 vehicles each year. Additionally, BYD is expanding its display centers in Thailand and Vietnam, while in Malaysia, it is vying with Tesla for leadership in the electric vehicle market.