BYD, a Shenzhen-based EV maker, is broadening its reach by establishing a new store in Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. This move marks the Chinese company’s inaugural sales outlet in the Caribbean region.

At the opening ceremony, BYD showcased several models during the weekend, including the BYD Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin, and E6. Moreover, BYD teased its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pickup truck, BYD Shark, on its official Trinidad & Tobago social channels as part of a partnership with Copa America.

BYD Shark is the company’s first car, which wasn’t launched overseas before domestically. The electric ute debuted in Mexico last month on May 15 for 53,400 USD.

A year ago, BYD revealed its partnership with dealers network ATL Automotive Group to launch its showrooms. The Jamaican auto dealer is responsible for distribution across ten Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands, where BYD plans to open by the end of the year.

BYD is quite active on the American continent, excluding the US. In 2023, it became the largest EV brand in Brazil, established a presence in Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia, and teased a plant in Mexico.

Last September, BYD announced they are considering building a manufacturing plant in Mexico. “We do have a plan, but there is still a lot of work to be done, said BYD’s America CEO Stella Li.

BYD sold 1.3 million vehicles in the first five months of this year (January – May), a 27% up from the previous year. Overseas sales reached 176,000 units in the same period.