BYD to launch 5 new car models this year

Jan. 8, 2009 (China Knowledge) - BYD Co Ltd<1211>, China's largest rechargeable batteries maker as well as automobile producer, plans to release five new vehicle models this year, as per industry sources.

The Hong Kong-listed automaker will launch F5, F4 mid-sized sedan models, the M6 MPV, S6 SUV, and the F8 hardtop convertible models in 2009.

The F5 model will be equipped with BYD's self-developed 1.8L engine.

The M6 will become the first MPV model produced by BYD.

The F8 is reported to be the first hardtop convertible with independent intellectual property rights in China.

BYD will also launch two more electric cars this year, including the F6DM sedan and the E6, an all-electric van. It launched its first plug-in hybrid F3DM in December last year.

The Chinese automaker expects to sell 350,000 vehicles in 2009, up from 180,000 units it planned to sell in 2008.

Shares of BYD edged up 0.15% to close at HK$13.42 on Tuesday.