KATHMANDU: BYD Co. has launched a new sub-brand called Linghui for re-badged models mainly used by fleet operators and ride-hailing services, a modern app-based taxi system.
Regulatory filings released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) show that several existing BYD models will be marketed under the Linghui name.
The electric Qin PLUS will be re-badged as the Linghui e5, the Xia DM-i multi-purpose vehicle will be offered as the M9, and a variant of the flagship Han electric sedan will be sold as the Linghui e9.
Chinese auto industry publications, including Yiche, report that Linghui is intended to serve as a dedicated brand for fleet-focused vehicles, allowing BYD to separate ride-hailing models from its core and premium product lineup.
BYD has not officially commented on the launch of the new sub-brand.
The move appears to be part of BYD’s broader strategy to protect its growing premium image while maintaining its strong presence in the ride-hailing market.
Although BYD’s overall sales increased by 7.7 percent last year, demand for higher-end models rose at a much faster pace. Sales of Fangchengbao off-road hybrids, for example, surged by more than 300 percent to around 234,600 units.
With a large number of BYD vehicles already operating in ride-hailing services across China, the introduction of Linghui is seen as a step to reduce brand dilution.
MIIT filings suggest Linghui-branded vehicles could reach the market within weeks, following standard regulatory timelines in China.
