BYD launches £1,000 UK discount and €18,700 Dolphin PHEV to boost European sales

Chinese automaker BYD announced two coordinated sales initiatives this June. In the United Kingdom, the company began a limited‑time "Drive Into Summer" promotion that offers up to £1,000 off the price of its Seal, Seal U DM‑i and Atto 3 models. The offer runs until 21 June and includes additional deposit contributions that can reduce monthly payments to about £457 for a Seal on a PCP deal. BYD said the promotion supports its rapid expansion, noting more than 31,500 UK deliveries this year, a 3.4 % market share and 113 % year‑on‑year growth.

At the same time, BYD unveiled the Dolphin G DM‑i plug‑in hybrid in the European market, priced at €18,700 and boasting over 100 km of electric range. The pricing makes it the cheapest PHEV in its class, undercutting rivals such as the Renault Zoe and VW e‑Golf. The launch follows a 22 % rise in PHEV demand across Europe and reflects BYD’s strategy of vertical battery integration, which has improved its EV division EBITDA margin by 12 % in Q1 2026. Investor reaction was positive, with BYD shares rising 4.2 % after the announcements.