As the Biden Administration imposes higher tariffs to block Chinese electric vehicles from entering the US market, one of China’s leading automakers is intensifying its efforts to gain a foothold in neighboring Mexico instead.
Hours after US President Joe Biden announced a significant escalation in tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, exceeding 100%, leading automaker BYD launched a new plug-in hybrid pickup truck designed specifically for the Mexican market, according to a Reuters report. For the first time, BYD has introduced a novel product outside its native China, according to reports, making it exclusively available in that country.
The Shark competes with midsize vehicles such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, which can be standard in the U.S., boasting an electric range of 62 miles and equivalent fuel economy of 31.4 mpg, according to Reuters, citing specifications from a BYD brochure that highlights its unique advantages.
BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pickup
The Shark may prove a more expensive option compared to other pickup variations in Mexico, according to Reuters, with base prices starting at 899,980 pesos (approximately $53,442 at current exchange rates) for the entry-level Shark GL and rising to 969,800 pesos ($57,588) for the high-end Shark GS.
Chinese automaker BYD chose Mexico as the launch market for its Shark pickup truck due to expected rapid growth in demand for pickups, according to Stella Li, head of BYD’s Americas division, who spoke to Reuters in an interview. BYD plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Mexico, but does not anticipate promoting vehicles in the US market. As a result, it remains unscathed by the tariff increases.
BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pickup
Whereas U.S. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, customers won’t have the opportunity to replicate the Shark’s innovative design, with multiple manufacturers poised to introduce plug-in hybrid pickup trucks in various sizes?
The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger is expected to offer a V-6 engine and a large battery as part of its innovative series-hybrid powertrain, designed to provide an estimated electric range of 145 miles in a full-size pickup truck. Ford’s arch-rival General Motors is said to be rapidly developing plug-in hybrid pickup trucks as part of a revamped electric-vehicle-centric strategy.
Volkswagen is allegedly exploring the possibility of introducing a plug-in hybrid pickup truck tailored to the American market, potentially measuring closer to the compact BYD Shark rather than larger offerings from Ram and General Motors. Nissan may be exploring the possibility of introducing hybrid pickup trucks, potentially leveraging the plug-in hybrid technology from Mitsubishi, a collaboration facilitated through their strategic alliance.
