by The Chinese automaker BYD is preparing a new competitor for American heavy-duty pickups like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado. This “super-sized” utility vehicle is being developed primarily for the Australian market, where there is already significant demand for it. Furthermore, the company is considering the possibility of creating a fully electric version of its pickup.
Moving to a New Level
BYD is not resting on the success of its mid-size Shark 6 pickup, introduced in Australia in late 2024. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain and dimensions slightly exceeding segment standards, the model quickly gained popularity, becoming the country’s best-selling PHEV pickup in 2025 with a result of 18,073 units. However, the company is already working on an even larger model.
Some customers asked for a full-size Shark 6, similar in size to the Ford F-150. We are working to get closer to that goal.
As reported by BYD Asia Pacific management, the initiative to develop a large pickup came directly from buyers, particularly from corporate fleets and mining companies. The new model, which could debut as early as 2027, will have a factory right-hand drive configuration, which is a key advantage in the Australian market.
Market Prospects and Advantages
To date, the full-size pickup segment in Australia remains niche. In 2025, sales volumes of models like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra amounted to only 8,763 units. For comparison, the mid-size Ford Ranger sold 56,555 units. However, the business of large pickups is attractive due to significantly higher profit margins.
Existing offerings on the market are American models converted to right-hand drive, with prices often exceeding 150,000 Australian dollars. BYD, by offering a factory right-hand drive vehicle with an advanced electrified powertrain and modern interior technology, gains the opportunity to offer a competitive price, which could become a serious advantage.
Electric Future and Lineup Expansion
The development of a large pickup is not the only direction of BYD’s development in the utility vehicle segment. The company also plans to introduce a fully electric version of the Shark 6, aimed at meeting the needs of the mining industry for zero-emission equipment. This model could become a competitor for the electric Toyota Hilux BEV, as well as the upcoming Isuzu D-Max BEV and LDV eTerron 9.
In addition, BYD’s roadmap includes a compact pickup. It is expected to be built on a unibody platform and receive a plug-in hybrid powertrain, primarily targeting buyers looking for a vehicle for active recreation.
BYD’s strategy in Australia demonstrates a deep understanding of local market nuances. Instead of a direct assault on the largest segment, the company first established itself in it with the successful Shark 6 model, and now plans to enter an adjacent, less competitive, but more profitable niche. This step could also become a testing ground before a potential entry into other right-hand drive markets or even the American one, if political and tariff barriers decrease. Success in this segment could finally change the global perception of Chinese automakers not only as manufacturers of budget copies, but as innovative competitors in high-margin classes.
