BYD’s Silk Road Journey Concludes in Singapore, Marking a Milestone for Cross-Border Green Mobility
The “2026 Silk Road Journey · Road of Enlightenment,” with BYD serving as the official mobility partner throughout the expedition, officially concluded in Singapore on August 25. At the closing ceremony, Li Yunfei, General Manager of BYD’s Brand and Public Relations Department, together with Zhang Lianye, Party Secretary and Chairman of Shaanxi Radio and Television Media Group, jointly declared the campaign a resounding success. The convoy covered more than 10,000 kilometers over 33 days, traversing six Chinese provinces before continuing through Thailand and Malaysia, ultimately reaching the island nation of Singapore.
As 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the event was held under the theme “Technology for Innovation, Culture for Connection.” Anchored by Xi’an as the historical starting point of the overland Silk Road and Singapore as a pivotal maritime hub, the initiative integrated cultural exchange, technological dialogue, and trade connectivity. The journey underscored the dynamic synergy between land and maritime routes under the Belt and Road Initiative, drawing participation from distinguished guests, overseas Chinese community leaders, and media representatives who gathered in the Lion City to witness the renewed cultural resonance of these ancient corridors.
During the expedition, BYD fielded a new-energy vehicle fleet spanning its five major product lines—Dynasty, Ocean, Denza, Fangchengbao, and Yangwang—across four brand networks. The vehicles were tested under diverse driving conditions, including highways, mountainous terrain, and congested urban streets. Two of BYD’s core technologies stood out during the rigorous trial: its flash charging system, capable of reaching “5 minutes to 80% and 9 minutes to full,” supported by a nationwide network of nearly 10,000 charging stations, effectively eliminating range anxiety; and the “God’s Eye” advanced driver-assistance system, which leverages over 220 million kilometers of real-world driving data daily to continuously refine its performance, significantly reducing driver fatigue on long-haul routes. From Xi’an to Singapore, the ancient imagery of camel caravans and waystation resupply has evolved into a modern, technology-driven expedition.
BYD’s commercial success in Singapore has been equally notable. As of July 2026, the company has held the top spot in Singapore’s passenger vehicle market for 19 consecutive months. From January to July 2026, BYD captured a 24.7% share of the overall passenger car market and a commanding 40.3% share of the pure electric vehicle segment. This sustained sales leadership has substantially elevated BYD’s brand recognition in the city-state, where its vehicles are now a common sight on urban roads, in major commercial districts, and at shopping malls.
Singapore is widely recognized as one of the world’s most expensive markets for car ownership, with high purchase barriers prompting consumers to be exceptionally discerning in their brand and model choices. Despite these challenges, BYD vehicles maintain premium price points while continuing to achieve strong sales performance—a testament to the brand’s value proposition and a confidence booster for local dealers in its long-term prospects. Currently, BYD operates 16 retail touchpoints across Singapore, with several outlets situated in premier shopping centers. As brand influence and market acceptance deepen, local dealers are increasing their investment in terminal infrastructure, maintaining high standards in store scale, location selection, interior design, and brand presentation.
BYD’s overseas expansion continued its rapid trajectory in 2026. From January through July, cumulative overseas sales surpassed 970,000 units, reflecting a year-on-year growth of approximately 76%. July alone saw overseas sales reach 179,800 vehicles, up 124.3% compared to the same month last year. To date, BYD’s new energy vehicles have entered more than 120 countries and regions worldwide.
During the first half of 2026, BYD secured the new energy vehicle sales crown in Thailand and Singapore. In Europe, it topped the new energy sales charts in Italy and Spain, while selling 38,000 units in the UK. In Brazil, sales approached 100,000 units, maintaining the brand’s leading position in the local new energy market. BYD also claimed the top spot in new energy vehicle sales in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa.
The Silk Road expedition seamlessly combined cultural heritage exploration with cross-border new energy vehicle travel, showcasing the latest progress of Chinese brands in contributing to green transportation development across Belt and Road partner nations. As its vehicles, intelligent manufacturing capabilities, and services continue to take root in overseas markets, BYD is leveraging its new energy portfolio to actively participate in global automotive collaboration and the transition toward sustainable mobility.
