13.07.2026 06:50
Chinese automotive giant BYD announced that vehicles sold as 2026 models to 1,265 customers in Australia were actually 2025 models. Initially offering compensation of approximately $1,100, the company backtracked amid growing backlash and granted customers full refund rights. BYD stated that the incident stemmed from an administrative error in model year calculation, while the vehicles' technical specifications and warranty coverage remained unaffected.
Chinese electric and hybrid car manufacturer BYD has announced that due to an administrative error in Australia, 1,265 customers were sold vehicles with the wrong model year. The company reported that customers purchased cars believing they were 2026 models, but they are actually 2025 models.
INITIAL OFFER WAS COMPENSATION
BYD initially offered affected customers compensation of approximately $1,100 (about 51,000 Turkish Lira).
However, the offer was insufficient to quell customer reactions.
FULL REFUND DECISION AFTER BACKLASH
After the incident was brought to light by Australia's national broadcaster ABC, public backlash grew. Following this, BYD backtracked and announced that affected customers were granted the right to return their vehicles for a full refund.
It was stated that customers who exercised the refund option could purchase a new zero-kilometer BYD vehicle if they wished.
"COMPLETELY AN ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR"
BYD Public Relations Director Paul Ellis said the incident was entirely due to an administrative error.
Ellis stated, "There is no deception or ill intent involved. Our customers who receive a refund can purchase another BYD vehicle from scratch if they wish."
PROBLEM STEMMED FROM MODEL YEAR CALCULATION
According to the company, the error arose because the model year of vehicles was determined based on the dispatch date from the factory rather than the production date.
BYD also emphasized that the confusion does not affect vehicle performance, technical specifications, or warranty coverage.