Chinese BYD ceases domestic sales of the popular Sealion 6 SUV, but production continues for overseas markets such as Europe and Vietnam. Learn more now!
Chinese automaker BYD announced that it will stop selling the Sealion 6 SUV in its home market, even as the model continues to thrive in export markets across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The move reflects BYD’s broader strategy to shift its SUV lineup toward newer platforms while leaning more heavily on international demand.
Why the Sealion 6 Became a Flagship Model
Since its launch in September 2020, the Sealion 6 (also known as the Song Plus) has been the cornerstone of BYD’s midsize SUV range. In China alone, the model sold 400,920 units in 2025, and global cumulative sales topped 1.5 million units by October 2025, according to CarNewsChina. Its plug‑in hybrid DM‑i powertrain, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, has been praised for fuel efficiency and low emissions.
Domestic Sales Slowdown, Export Surge
In 2025 BYD delivered roughly 4.55 million vehicles worldwide, marking the first time overseas sales exceeded one million units. December 2025 saw export volumes of about 133,000 Sealion 6 units – a 145 % increase compared with the same month in 2024 – underscoring the brand’s growing reliance on foreign markets as domestic growth eases.
Production Shifts to Support Global Demand
While the Sealion 6 will no longer be listed on BYD’s domestic Ocean Network product page, production has not stopped. The company’s Thai plant now assembles more than 70,000 units each year, feeding demand in Europe, Southeast Asia and other regions.
Performance in Key Overseas Markets
- Germany: Cumulative sales reached 11,818 units by November 2025.
- United Kingdom: Monthly sales regularly exceed 5,000 units.
- Japan: The model is positioned in a higher‑price segment, demonstrating acceptance in a mature market.
- Vietnam: Launched in April 2025 as the first BYD C‑segment plug‑in hybrid SUV, priced from VND 799 million and marketed as the Sealion 6.
In overseas markets the vehicle is sold under the names “Sealion 6” or “Sealu DM‑i” depending on local branding strategies.
What This Means for BYD’s Future
The decision to retire the Sealion 6 from the Chinese lineup is part of a wider SUV restructuring plan within BYD’s Ocean series. Updated exterior styling and a newer technology platform are slated for the next generation, ensuring the brand stays competitive domestically while maintaining a strong export foothold.
Analysts at Reuters note that BYD’s overseas sales grew by more than 150 % in 2025, and the company aims to push international growth even higher in 2026. By keeping the Sealion 6 in export channels, BYD safeguards a proven revenue stream that helps the automaker offset slower growth at home.
Bottom Line
Even though Chinese customers will no longer see the Sealion 6 on showroom floors, the model remains a vital component of BYD’s global strategy. With robust demand in Europe, the UK, Japan and Vietnam, the SUV is set to continue bolstering BYD’s brand recognition and profitability worldwide.