BYD Aims to Snatch Toyota's Title as World's Top Car Maker

BYD Aims to Dethrone Toyota as World’s Top Carmaker

BYD (Build Your Dreams) is a Chinese multinational manufacturer of automobiles, batteries, and rechargeable systems. Founded in 1995 as a battery company, it entered the automotive sector in 2003 and has since become the world’s largest producer of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). In Malaysia, BYD vehicles are officially distributed by Sime Darby Beyond Auto Sdn Bhd, with models such as the BYD Atto 3, Dolphin, and Seal available. The company’s stated goal is to surpass Toyota Motor Corporation in global vehicle sales by 2025, leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain and aggressive pricing strategy. For Malaysian consumers, BYD offers affordable, fully electric compact cars suited for urban commuting in Klang Valley, with compatibility with local charging networks such as ChargEV and JomCharge.

Key Facts

Can BYD Really Overtake Toyota in Global Sales?

BYD’s ambition to become the world’s number one carmaker by total sales volume is based on its rapid growth in the EV and plug-in hybrid segments. In 2024, BYD sold approximately 3.02 million vehicles globally, while Toyota sold about 10.8 million. To close the gap, BYD would need to more than triple its annual output, a feat that would require massive production expansion and market penetration beyond China.

According to a 2024 analysis by BloombergNEF, BYD’s vertically integrated supply chain — including in-house battery production (Blade Battery) and semiconductor manufacturing — gives it a cost advantage of 15–20% over traditional automakers. However, Toyota’s global manufacturing network spans 28 countries and produces over 10 million vehicles annually, with strong brand loyalty in markets such as Southeast Asia, the United States, and Japan.

“BYD’s growth trajectory is unprecedented, but overtaking Toyota in the next two years would require a perfect storm of trade policy, consumer adoption, and production scale that has never been achieved before.” — Industry analyst at Fitch Ratings, quoted in the source article. careta.my, “BYD Mahu Rampas Takhta Toyota Sebagai Pengeluar Kereta No.1 Dunia”

BYD sold 3.02 million vehicles in 2024, while Toyota sold 10.8 million, meaning BYD would need to increase output by 257% to match Toyota’s current volume.

What Are the Main Challenges BYD Faces in Dethroning Toyota?

BYD’s path to the top is obstructed by trade barriers, brand perception, and infrastructure limitations. The European Union imposed additional tariffs of up to 17.4% on Chinese-made EVs in 2024, and the United States maintains a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs. In Malaysia, BYD benefits from the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 incentives for EVs, including import duty and excise duty exemptions until 2025, but faces competition from Toyota’s established hybrid lineup (e.g., Corolla Cross Hybrid) and the upcoming Toyota bZ4X EV.

Another hurdle is charging infrastructure. As of early 2025, Malaysia has approximately 1,200 public charging points, concentrated in the Klang Valley and major highways. BYD’s success in Malaysia depends on the expansion of the national EV charging network, which is targeted to reach 10,000 chargers by 2025 under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint.

BYD faces tariffs of up to 17.4% in the EU and 100% in the US, while Malaysia’s EV incentives are set to expire in 2025, creating a narrow window for market share growth.

How Does BYD Compare to Toyota for Malaysian Buyers?

For Malaysian consumers, the choice between BYD and Toyota often comes down to total cost of ownership, charging convenience, and brand trust. Toyota has a decades-long presence in Malaysia with a vast service network (over 100 dealerships), while BYD’s local network is still expanding (approximately 20 showrooms as of early 2025).

For a Malaysian urban commuter driving 20,000 km per year, a BYD Atto 3 saves approximately RM 1,700 annually in fuel costs compared to a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, but the Toyota offers a larger service network and higher resale value.

Who Is This Rivalry Relevant For in Malaysia?

This competition matters most for Malaysian buyers in the compact SUV and family sedan segments, particularly those living in landed properties or condominiums with access to home charging. Early adopters in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru who have a dedicated parking spot with a 240V socket are the primary target for BYD. Toyota’s hybrid models appeal to buyers who want lower fuel consumption without range anxiety, especially those in apartments without charging facilities.

Malaysia’s tropical climate (average 27–33°C) affects EV battery efficiency; BYD’s Blade Battery uses LFP chemistry, which is less sensitive to high temperatures than NMC batteries. However, air-conditioning load can reduce range by 10–15% in urban stop-and-go traffic. Toyota’s hybrids do not suffer range loss from AC usage.

BYD’s LFP Blade Battery is better suited to Malaysia’s tropical heat than typical NMC batteries, but range loss from air-conditioning remains a factor for EV users.

Common Questions

Is BYD available in Malaysia with full warranty and service support?

Yes, BYD vehicles are officially sold by Sime Darby Beyond Auto. They come with a 6-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty. Service centres are located in major cities including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru.

Can I charge a BYD at home using a standard Malaysian power socket?

Yes, BYD models come with a portable charger that plugs into a standard 240V, 13A UK-style socket. A full charge from empty takes about 8–10 hours for the Atto 3 (50 kWh battery). For faster charging, a dedicated 7 kW wall box is recommended.

How does BYD’s resale value compare to Toyota in Malaysia?

As of early 2025, BYD’s resale value is unproven in Malaysia due to the short market presence. Toyota typically retains 70% of its value after three years, while BYD is estimated at 55% based on early data from China and Thailand. The gap may narrow as the EV market matures.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the source material from careta.my titled “BYD Mahu Rampas Takhta Toyota Sebagai Pengeluar Kereta No.1 Dunia” (accessed 2025). Additional data on sales figures, pricing, and tariffs were cross-referenced with BloombergNEF, Fitch Ratings, and the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) 2024 annual report. Currency conversions are not required as all figures are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) or global units. Localisation for Malaysian power standards (240V, UK-style plugs) and charging infrastructure (ChargEV, JomCharge) was applied. This article was last updated on 20 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the MAA and Sime Darby Beyond Auto’s official website.