BYD offers full refunds to 1,265 Australian customers after model‑year mix‑up

Chinese EV maker BYD disclosed that more than 1,265 Australian buyers received vehicles built in 2025 despite paperwork labeling them as 2026 models. The discrepancy stemmed from using the factory exit date rather than the actual build date in sales documents.

Initially the company offered a modest compensation of about AU$1,100, covering delivery costs, which many owners said did not address the resale‑value loss caused by the older build year. After media coverage and consumer backlash, BYD reversed course, apologising and extending a full refund to any affected customer. Buyers may also return the cars and purchase new BYD models if they wish.

BYD emphasized that the error was purely administrative and did not affect the vehicles' specifications, warranty or performance. Australian consumer regulators highlighted that product descriptions must match contract terms, underscoring the consumer‑rights implications of the incident.