The eagerly awaited BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute has finally made its debut in Australia, with the first batch of vehicles being delivered to customers. However, the rollout has hit a temporary snag, as port strikes across the country disrupt further shipments.
First Shark 6 Deliveries Land in Brisbane
Priced at $57,900 before on-road costs, the Shark 6 has arrived to much fanfare. The first units were delivered to customers in Brisbane after leaving China in mid-December 2024.
With an impressive 5500 pre-orders, BYD’s local importer, EVDirect, is racing to meet demand for the Shark 6, which boasts a petrol-electric hybrid system delivering more power than the Ford Ranger Raptor.
“This is an exciting milestone for us as we begin delivering the Shark 6 to Australian customers,” said EVDirect CEO David Smitherman.
Port Strikes Cause Delays
Despite the excitement surrounding the Shark 6’s arrival, ongoing industrial action at Australian ports has thrown a wrench into the delivery schedule. Reports suggest more than 35,000 vehicles are stranded offshore, unable to dock due to the strikes.
“Unfortunately, due to the ongoing port industrial action, more Sharks can’t get to shore – but we are hopeful that this will be resolved soon,” Smitherman said.
A Key Player in BYD’s Australian Expansion
The Shark 6 is pivotal to BYD’s growth strategy in Australia. EVDirect has ambitious plans to sell 10,000 units of the Shark 6 in 2025, making it a cornerstone of its goal to double the 20,458 sales achieved in 2024.
With the Shark 6, BYD aims to challenge the dominance of the Ford Ranger in the Australian ute market. The company is targeting a total of 40,000 sales across its lineup in 2025, potentially securing a spot among Australia’s top 10 automotive brands.
Australia’s Love for Plug-In Hybrids
The Shark 6 is set to continue the success of BYD’s plug-in hybrids in Australia. In 2024, the Sealion 6 was the country’s top-selling plug-in hybrid, surpassing the long-standing Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Looking ahead, February 2025 will see the arrival of the all-electric Sealion 7, a family-sized SUV set to rival the Tesla Model Y. This, alongside the Shark 6, positions BYD to capture a significant share of the growing electrified vehicle market in Australia.
What’s Next for the Shark 6?
While port delays have temporarily slowed deliveries, the Shark 6 remains poised to become a best-seller for BYD in Australia. With its competitive price, robust hybrid powertrain, and growing demand, it’s clear the Shark 6 will play a major role in shaping the future of Australia’s electrified vehicle market.
Stay tuned as the rollout continues and more updates become available on this highly anticipated vehicle.
Dylan Anderson
