BYD South Africa is proud to confirm that the BYD Shark 6 and the BYD Dolphin Surf models have been selected as finalists for the prestigious 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY). The nominations reflect the vehicles' exceptional performance, innovation, and growing appeal in the local market.
The Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf will now advance to the final round, where they will undergo rigorous evaluation by an expert panel of COTY jurors. The evaluation process will assess on-road performance, cutting-edge technology, design innovation, energy efficiency, and overall driving experience - criteria that align with BYD's commitment to delivering practical, sustainable mobility solutions.
“Having entered the South African market in mid-2023, BYD has already secured not one but two vehicles as finalists, demonstrating our brand’s strong appeal and understanding of what the local market needs,” says Steve Chang, Managing Director, BYD South Africa.
The Shark 6, BYD’s powerful new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) double-cab bakkie, delivers bold capability with its powerful plug-in hybrid system, combining robust performance and adventure-ready features without compromising on efficiency or environmental responsibility.
The Dolphin Surf, South Africa’s most affordable fully electric vehicle, redefines compact urban mobility with its agile, dynamic platform, offering exceptional range, smart technology, and affordability for everyday drivers.
Both models feature BYD's ultra-safe Blade Battery technology, advanced driver assistance systems, and user-friendly interfaces, setting new standards in the local market.
These nominations follow strong cutomer and critical accalim for both models following their respective South African debuts, highlighting BYD’s unique ability to fuse advanced new-energy engineering with user-centric design tailored to local demand. As part of its ongoing efforts to support South Africa's transition to electric mobility, BYD continues to collaborate with key public and private sector partners, including Eskom and Absa, to build a robust charging infrastructure and promote accessible NEV adoption nationwide.
"The Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf represent our dedication to providing South Africans with reliable, efficient, and forward-thinking options that meet the demands of our diverse roads and lifestyles. We’re excited to showcase what these vehicles can do in the final evaluation and remain committed to accelerating the country's shift toward sustainable mobility," adds Mark Handley, Commercial Director, BYD South Africa.
BYD South Africa continues to lead the charge in new energy vehicles, delivering affordable, high-quality NEVs and hybrids that support a greener future for all South Africans. The final Car of the Year winners will be announced following the completion of the evaluation process later in 2026.
For more information, please visit www.byd.com/za
