KATHMANDU: BYD Australia has offered full refunds to more than 1,200 customers after admitting it mistakenly sold 2025-built vehicles as 2026 model year cars due to an administrative error, according to ABC News.
The issue affected 1,265 customers who purchased BYD electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the Atto 3, Sealion SUV and Shark pickup. Customers had paid for MY26 vehicles but later discovered they had received MY25 models.
According to BYD Australia’s Public Relations Director Paul Ellis, the mistake occurred because the company recorded the date the vehicles left the factory instead of their actual production date. He said the error was administrative and there was “no deception.”
BYD initially offered affected customers AU$1,100 in compensation. However, after receiving complaints, the company revised its offer and will now allow customers to choose between a full refund, a 2026-built replacement vehicle at the original purchase price, or keeping their existing vehicle and accepting the AU$1,100 payment. Promotional pricing offered at the time of purchase will also be honored for replacement vehicles.
The company said the build year error does not affect the vehicles’ safety, performance, warranty or compliance with Australian regulations. However, many owners raised concerns that a 2025 build year could reduce the resale value of their vehicles.
The incident comes as BYD continues to strengthen its position in the Australian market, where it recently became the country’s second best-selling automotive brand, behind Toyota.
