BYD Admits Selling Incorrect Car Models to Over 1,200 Australian Customers

Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturer BYD has acknowledged a significant error in Australia, admitting to selling the incorrect car models to 1,265 customers. The buyers were informed that they had received the 2025 model year vehicle instead of the 2026 model they believed they had purchased.

Initially, the company offered these customers AU$1,100 in compensation. However, reports indicate that BYD will now provide a full refund to all affected individuals. BYD public relations director Paul Ellis stated that the issue stemmed from an administrative error, not intentional deceit. "We will offer customers a full refund. They will take that refund and if they wish to have a new transaction they can purchase another BYD from us," Ellis told the ABC.

Ellis explained that the error occurred because the company used the vehicle's factory exit dates rather than their manufacturing dates. He emphasized that this mistake did not affect the cars' performance or warranty.

One customer, Zoheb Khan from Melbourne, who purchased a BYD Atto 3 for $47,000, expressed surprise at the scale of the error. "How can that admin error be so big, with so many people and so many cars?" he questioned.

BYD has gained popularity in the Australian market, competing with other electric vehicle brands such as Tesla. The company's blunder comes as it seeks to establish a stronger presence in the country.