Deliveries of the BYD Atto 3 electric car from China have been paused for another week while the company addresses vehicle compliance concerns with Australian regulators.
Australian customers waiting for their new BYD Atto 3 electric car are becoming increasingly frustrated over extended delays while the local distributor addresses compliance concerns with federal regulators.
A fortnight after the distributor for BYD in Australia attempted to take legal action preventing publications such as Drive from reporting on concerns over the compliance of the new Chinese electric car, the local distributor is yet to rectify all affected vehicles – or issue a statement to media.
Last week, the distributor of BYD cars in Australia advised customers of a seven-day ‘stop delivery’ notice.
Yesterday, a new seven-day ‘stop delivery’ notice was issued – to come into effect from today’s date – extending the pause in vehicle handovers to a 14-day period.
A notice to customers issued yesterday said in part: “BYD Automotive advise (sic) that we will be pausing deliveries of the Atto 3 for a further seven days commencing 28 October, 2022.
“BYD together with our distributor EVDirect have been actively working with the relevant (federal regulator) to resolve a technical matter.
“With the full support of BYD China, all requested information is being prepared for submission to the (federal regulator). Whilst we are confident of a resolution, we will continue to respect and co-operate with the department to ensure a swift resolution.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers and look forward to recommencing deliveries as soon as
possible.”
It remains unclear when or if BYD Atto 3 vehicles already in customer hands will be recalled to have the same compliance issue addressed.
As reported exclusively by Drive two weeks ago, the BYD Atto 3 electric car from China was found to have breached Australian motor vehicle compliance regulations related to the child seat anchor point in the middle back-seat position.
The issue was unearthed after the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) withheld its five-star safety result – pending a review by the federal regulator of the vehicle’s compliance.
It is not uncommon for federal regulators to compel car companies to stop deliveries – and issue recalls – for motor vehicles that do not comply with Australian Design Rules.
However, it remains unclear exactly what action BYD intends to take as deliveries remain on hold in Australia.
Some customers are frustrated because they have settled finance and insurance arrangements for their new BYD Atto 3 – and/or sold their previous car – but BYD is not allowed to release the vehicles until any compliance issues are addressed.
The post BYD Atto 3 stop-delivery notice extended for another week appeared first on Drive.
