Pendragon opens BYD site under Stratstone brand

Pendragon has opened the doors to two new BYD electric vehicle (EV) dealerships in Birmingham and Milton Keynes this week. The EV brand have announced ambitious plans to establish a franchised car retail network of 100 dealerships in the UK by the end of 2025.

A further four openings for the Chinese car brand are planned. New locations include a flagship BYD Mayfair retail site on Park Lane among others.

‘Special Moment in History’

Chief executive Bill Berman said: “It is a privilege and honour to be a pivotal part of BYD’s launch into the UK market, with the introduction of two key Stratstone BYD sites in Birmingham and Milton Keynes.

“Followed by the upcoming opening of BYD’s flagship, Stratstone Mayfair, in the Capital, and an additional five more dealerships in 2023 and beyond, we are certain our new EV partner will excite automotive fans across the country.

“As we move closer to the government’s 2030 EV plan and British drivers’ appetite for greener vehicles, the launch of our first all-electric showrooms is a special moment in history for Pendragon.”

Arnold Clark has also become BYD’s sole retail partner in Scotland this week, with the opening of its new dealership in the former Citroën retail site at Linwood, Glasgow.

Group managing director and chief executive Eddie Hawthorne said: “Having established themselves as one of the industry’s leading manufacturers when it comes to electric vehicles and new technology, this partnership with BYD will help to drive our own electric strategy and reinforce Arnold Clark as the place to go for alternative fuel vehicles.”

Chinese EVs in the British Market

BYD is one of a handful of Chinese brands making a move on the UK market.

Michael Shu, the general manager and managing director at BYD Europe and International Cooperation Division, said: “BYD’s passenger car business has developed rapidly. We have made some preparations for the British market and brought a new product matrix, including our first car – the BYD ATTO 3.

“At present, BYD has served a total of 3.5 million NEV (New Energy Vehicle) car owners. We hope to bring these experiences to the United Kingdom, which we recognise as one of the top European markets.

“With the advantages of BYD’s core technology, cost and production capacity, combined with the localised resources of local dealer groups, we will bring diversified choices to consumers and provide great customer service.”