Chinese automaker BYD is making its official entry into the Cypriot market with three models through Alpan Group, a member of Sfakianakis Group.
The company’s first showroom in Nicosia is expected to open in the coming days, with a second location in Limassol scheduled to begin operations in June.
The investment for implementing the two showrooms amounts to approximately €2 million. According to company representatives, Cyprus is becoming the first European Union country to implement BYD’s new showroom concept, which differs from traditional operational standards.
The first showroom will open in late May on 28th October Avenue in Makedonitissa, next to the Electroline store, which also belongs to Sfakianakis Group. The second showroom is scheduled to open in June in the Agios Athanasios area of Limassol, while BYD’s service centre will operate in the Tseri area.
Alpan Group executives state that initial sales of BYD’s electric and hybrid vehicles can begin immediately as stock is already available.
They assure that in case of increased demand, the company can promptly order and import new vehicles within days, potentially differentiating BYD from competitors by eliminating the months-long waiting periods often experienced by car buyers.
During a test drive event in Athens last week, the vehicles showcased impressive design elements and high-quality materials that challenge traditional stereotypes about Chinese manufacturing.
The interior quality rivals—and potentially surpasses—more expensive models from established European manufacturers.
The driving experience is equally impressive, offering a sense of quality, precise response, and comfort typically found in more expensive models. During road tests, the vehicles provided confidence with a feeling of absolute control and stability.
Our goal is to achieve the top position in vehicle sales in Cyprus, said Stavros Takis, CEO of Sfakianakis Group, which owns Alpan Group, during the presentation of the company’s models in Athens.
Three models will be immediately available for sale in Cyprus: two fully electric vehicles and one plug-in hybrid.
The BYD SEAL, a fully electric D-segment sedan, comes in two versions: the 313 horsepower rear-wheel drive Design model with 570km range, and the 530 horsepower all-wheel drive Excellence-AWD version with 520km range and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The model incorporates Cell-to-Body technology, BYD’s Blade Battery, and is based on the advanced e-Platform 3.0, combining safety, performance and driving dynamics.
The BYD SEALION 7, a mid-size fully electric SUV, is available with either a 313 horsepower single-motor rear-wheel drive offering 550km range, or a 530 horsepower dual-motor all-wheel drive version with 520km range and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds. Both versions support DC fast charging up to 230 kW.
The BYD SEAL U DM-i, the company’s first plug-in hybrid SUV with Super DM technology, comes in two versions: the 218 horsepower front-wheel drive Boost model with 80km electric-only range and 1,080km total range, and the 324 horsepower all-wheel drive Design version with 70km electric-only range and 870km total range. Both versions are equipped with the 18.3 kWh Blade Battery and support 11 kW AC charging and DC charging up to 18 kW.
While official pricing has not yet been announced, company representatives suggest the prices will be highly competitive and might cause a small “electric shock” in the Cypriot automotive market.
