Everything keeps going right… Toyota
With the local automotive market’s consistent growth, month after month last year, one brand is not giving up a piece of its sales cake slice.
- Industry News
- 16 January 2026
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.
With the local automotive market’s consistent growth, month after month last year, one brand is not giving up a piece of its sales cake slice.
The automotive sector is moving through one of the most transformative periods in its history, shaped by rapid advances in technology and shifting consumer priorities.
Hyundai Grand i10 owners was surprised and shocked to learn that their beloved “set of wheels” was not as safe as what they wished for.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) might still be a long way from becoming obsolete, but the worldwide trend in favour of New Energy Vehicles (NEV) is growing rapidly.
A new report from Deloitte reveals that motorists in the United States remain firmly attached to petrol-powered vehicles, as concerns over cost, charging infrastructure and overall value continue to slow the transition to electric cars.
China's BYD has officially dethroned Tesla as the world's top electric vehicle seller, marking a watershed moment in the automotive industry's electric revolution. The changing of the guard reflects a fundamental realignment of global EV power dynamics.