Barely two weeks after its launch in Kenya, the all-new BYD SHARK 6, a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) pickup truck, has officially sold out — signaling surging local demand for hybrid vehicles in the Kenyan market.
The launch, spearheaded by Loxea Kenya, a subsidiary of CFAO Mobility Kenya, coincides with BYD’s record-breaking performance in the United Kingdom, where the company sold 9,271 vehicles in Q1 2025, its best quarter since entering the UK passenger car market in March 2023.
Kenyan Demand Surges for New BYD Models
Confirming the milestone, Loxea Kenya Managing Director Ms. Jennifer Kinyoe said the company has already placed a replenishment order to meet growing customer demand for the BYD SHARK 6.
“Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are proving to be a popular customer choice as charging and after-sales service infrastructure continues to grow countrywide,” said Ms. Kinyoe.
She added that the first five units of the SHARK 6 shipped to Kenya were sold within days of arrival, and pre-orders for the next batch are already full, with deliveries expected by the end of the year.
Alongside the SHARK 6, Loxea Kenya is also marketing the BYD Sealion 6, another PHEV model that has seen consistent sales momentum. Five recently received units have been dispatched to clients, while another five are en route from China, confirming Kenya’s rising appetite for electric and hybrid vehicles.
“BYD vehicles are proving to be very popular among discerning local clients seeking quality mobility solutions,” Kinyoe said. “We are seeing tremendous growth in inquiries and pre-orders for both the SHARK 6 and Sealion 6.”
BYD Breaks Records in the UK Market
Globally, BYD’s performance in the UK continues to reinforce its standing as one of the fastest-growing automakers in the world. The company’s Q1 2025 sales of 9,271 vehicles marked a new record — surpassing the total number of units sold across the entire year of 2024.
This growth has propelled BYD’s UK market share to 1.6%, up from 0.45% in 2024, with March alone hitting 1.8%, exactly two years since the company launched passenger cars in the country.
SEAL and SEAL U DM-i Lead the Charge
In the UK, the standout models were the BYD SEAL U DM-i (a leading PHEV model) and the BYD SEAL (a top-performing fully electric sedan). The company registered 3,975 SEAL U DM-i units and 2,521 SEALs, ranking among the top sellers in both the hybrid and pure electric segments.
Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director, BYD UK, attributed the success to a combination of innovation and strong dealer partnerships:
“We’ve smashed yet another sales record, thanks to the tireless work of our team and partners,” Beattie said. “Our mission is to bring high-tech and high-value cars to customers — and it’s great to see this resonating with UK buyers.”
The SEALION 7 Expands BYD’s Global Line-Up
BYD has also introduced the new SEALION 7, a fully electric SUV based on the company’s advanced e-platform 3.0 and powered by its proprietary Blade Battery technology.
The SEALION 7 combines sporty performance with a modern SUV design and an all-electric driving range of up to 312 miles, further extending BYD’s reach into the premium EV market.
Kenya’s Hybrid Market Gains Traction
Industry analysts note that BYD’s early success in Kenya mirrors the country’s accelerating shift toward eco-friendly mobility, driven by high fuel costs, expanding charging infrastructure, and government incentives promoting cleaner technologies.
With CFAO Mobility’s nationwide footprint, Loxea Kenya is expected to play a pivotal role in mainstreaming hybrid and electric vehicle adoption in the country.
A New Era for Mobility
As the SHARK 6 and Sealion 6 continue to gain traction locally, and with BYD setting new benchmarks globally, Kenya’s vehicle market is entering a new era of sustainable mobility—one powered by innovation, digital integration, and customer demand for greener alternatives.
