BYD Australia Expands Remedy After Customers Receive Vehicles With Incorrect Build-Year Information
BYD Australia has offered full refunds to 1,265 customers after acknowledging an administrative error resulted in buyers receiving vehicles manufactured in 2025 despite sales documentation describing them as 2026 models.
The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer initially offered affected customers a payment of AUD 1,100, understood to be equivalent to the dealer delivery charge. However, the company has since expanded its remedy to include a full refund of the vehicle’s original transaction price.
Customers can choose to keep their vehicles and accept the AUD 1,100 payment, or enter into a new transaction to purchase a 2026-built BYD vehicle.
BYD Australia said the issue affects several models sold through dealerships across multiple Australian states, but confirmed there are no differences in mechanical performance, specifications, safety, warranty coverage, or regulatory compliance.
Speaking to ABC News, BYD Australia Public Relations Director Paul Ellis said the error occurred because the company incorrectly recorded the date vehicles left the factory instead of the actual manufacturing date.
“It was an administrative error that occurred. There was no deceit,” Ellis said.
The company has apologised to affected customers and confirmed it will contact them through phone calls, emails, and text messages to explain available solutions.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has not confirmed whether it will launch an investigation but stated that products supplied to consumers must match their description under Australian Consumer Law.
The regulator also highlighted that misleading or deceptive conduct and false representations about goods, including vehicle models, are prohibited.
The issue comes as BYD continues its rapid expansion in Australia, becoming one of the country’s strongest-selling automotive brands in the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle market.
ABC News Australia – BYD offers full refunds after customers given wrong car build year
https://www.abc.net.au/Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – Australian Consumer Law: Consumer Guarantees
https://www.accc.gov.au/GoAuto Australia – BYD offers refunds due to build date error
https://www.goauto.com.au/
