25/04/2023 Irish firm Motor Distributors Limited has been appointed to represent the Chinese BYD (Beyond Your Dreams) brand in Ireland. Electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD has named MDL as its National Dealer+ Partner in Ireland. The new to our shores vehicle maker BYD describes itself as ‘a global innovator of pioneering battery technology, and creator of some of the world’s most technologically advanced electric vehicles’. Who are we to argue as BYD has claimed top place in China for sales of new energy passenger vehicles for 10 years in a row. MDL will distribute and provide localised customer support for BYD’s range of electric cars and light commercial vehicles, with its passenger cars arriving this year. The formal contract was signed at BYD global headquarters in Shenzhen, China in the presence of MDL chief executive, Paddy Finnegan. Mr. Finnegan said: “MDL is proud to partner with BYD in the Republic of Ireland. We look forward to introducing BYD vehicles to Irish motorists and to establishing BYD as a major player in the Irish market.” The announcement will lead to the creation of an estimated 150 jobs bringing total employment within MDL to 450 (approx). These will include sales, technical and customer support roles, for which recruitment will shortly begin.
In 2023 the BYD ‘ATTO 3’ SUV model will launch in Ireland in to the busy C segment. MDL says ‘central to its appeal will be BYD’s next generation e-Platform 3.0 and its highly-acclaimed ultra-safe Blade Battery power unit. (0-100km/h in 7.3seconds / 420km Range (WLTP combined) / 15.6kWh/100km energy consumption (WLTP combined).’
Paddy Finnegan went on to say: “Whilst complementing the long-standing distribution interests we currently have, this new opportunity to represent BYD and introduce their vehicles to Irish motorists is one of great importance to MDL by enabling us to re-establish a strong presence in the volume-selling segment of the Irish market. Through the manufacture of ‘new energy’ vehicles, BYD promises to give the world what they term ‘a second chance’ and to play a full part in supporting the drive to cool the Earth by 1 degree. To that end, a key feature will be the many measures BYD has introduced to make their vehicles climate-friendly by eliminating harmful emissions and by removing the need to use increasingly scarce natural resources. One stand-out example is the emphasis BYD is now placing on the production of EV vehicles and on new power source technology, the example being their ‘Blade Battery’ power unit which Mr. Finnegan said: “is being produced without the use of cobalt. For these and many other reasons all relating to their own ambitions and priorities in an increasingly eco-conscious world, the partnership now established between BYD and MDL is one that promises a rewarding and value-laden future for all concerned, including those dealers we will appoint to market their vehicles and the many future BYD owners whose motoring dreams we have yet to build.” Michael Sheridan
