BYD is storming the Ukrainian car market and for the first time is approaching a share of 20% — something even the long-term leader Toyota has not managed to achieve. According to AUTO-Consulting, November saw a sharp surge in demand for new cars, and it is Chinese brands that are setting the tone for the market.
The BYD brand has for the first time in history approached the level of almost 19% of all new passenger car sales in Ukraine. This is an absolute historical phenomenon: even in the best years, Toyota, ZAZ, or GAZ did not demonstrate such a presence. The dynamics with which BYD is increasing its share go beyond ordinary market trends.
It is particularly indicative that Ukrainians are buying non-official BYD cars. The brand has no representation, no distributor, no dealers — but there is demand, which ‘gray’ suppliers satisfy faster than any official network. Their success became possible due to the price difference in the Chinese market, subsidies in China, and the VAT benefits that apply to electric vehicles in Ukraine but will end soon.
Another Chinese newcomer — Zeekr — is also showing rapid growth and is already in sixth place in the market. It is especially impressive that the brand has only existed since 2021, but Ukrainian buyers are willing to pay serious money for it. In fact, a month before the end of tax benefits, we are observing an explosive demand effect for ‘Chinese cars,’ which could change the structure of the Ukrainian car market for years to come.