China’s BYD to challenge Land Rover, Porsche with new EV brand Fang Cheng Bao offering SUVs, sports cars from US$54,800
- First production model, the Leopard 5 SUV, will debut at the Chengdu Motor Show, which starts on August 25
- The SUV is likely to be priced between 400,000 yuan (US$54,809) and 600,000 yuan, according to analysts
Wang Chuanfu, founder and chairman of Shenzhen-based BYD, told a press conference on Wednesday that the new Fang Cheng Bao brand will offer electric off-road-capable sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) and sports cars, aiming not only to meet drivers’ transport needs but also cater to their need to display their status and individualism.
“We hope the brand will accelerate the transition of the EV industry, with more new-energy vehicles replacing internal-combustion-engine counterparts,” he said. “Fang Cheng Bao will turn each individual customer’s dream into a reality.”
Fang Cheng literally translates as formula in Chinese, and Bao means leopard.
Vehicles under the brand will use BYD’s new plug-in hybrid platform, known as DMO, which stands for “dual-mode off-road”, and will be equipped with the DiSus-P intelligent body control system.