SA's vehicle recall crisis: a call for preventative action
According to the Automobile Association (AA), South Africa's vehicle safety system is failing its citizens.
- Industry News
- 21 November 2025
BYD says the arrival of the Sea Lion 5 marks another milestone in the manufacturer’s mission to help solve South Africa’s energy and mobility challenges, not just selling vehicles.
“BYD is not just a car manufacturer. We’re a technology company focused on creating a cleaner, smarter future. The Sea Lion 5 represents how innovation can meet real South African needs, combining energy efficiency, advanced safety and everyday utility,” says Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director, BYD Auto South Africa.
Built on BYD’s DMI (Dual-Mode Intelligent) hybrid platform, the plug-in hybrid Sea Lion 5 bridges the gap between electric and conventional mobility, introducing South Africans to electric mobility without the “range fear” that can come with driving pure electric.
The family SUV combines spacious versatility with intuitive technology, featuring a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, wireless charging, intelligent voice control system and a large infotainment screen that anchors its refined, modern interior.
The launch follows the recent visit to Johannesburg by Stella Li, BYD’s Executive Vice President, who reinforced the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa. During her engagements, she highlighted BYD’s ambition to support South Africa’s transition to cleaner transport and energy solutions, with investment plans spanning new-energy vehicles, charging infrastructure and partnerships with government and the private sector, aimed at strengthening the country’s sustainable automotive ecosystem.
Full specifications and pricing for the Sea Lion 5 will be revealed at an official media launch in November followed by consumer sales across BYD dealerships countrywide.
The Sea Lion 5 joins BYD’s growing local portfolio of Pure Electric and Super Plug-in Hybrid models, which already include the recently launched BYD Dolphin Surf (South Africa’s most affordable EV) as well as the BYD Sea Lion 6, Sea Lion 7, Shark 6, Seal and others.
Together, these vehicles represent BYD’s vision to make sustainable mobility accessible to every type of South African driver.
According to the Automobile Association (AA), South Africa's vehicle safety system is failing its citizens.
Following the introduction of the C5 Luxury X and Elegance X trims earlier this year, OMODA & JAECOO South Africa are now enhancing the Style and Street derivatives with a series of upgrades.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is introducing Hilux Custom Builds, a fully integrated conversion programme that adds professionally engineered, purpose-built solutions directly to the Toyota product offering.
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You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is preparing for a major international push, aiming to sell as many as 1.6 million cars outside its home market next year.
Global demand for electric vehicles surged in October, with combined sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models rising by 23% to 1.9 million units, according to data from Rho Motion.
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