Delegates to this year’s Automotive Management Live will be able to get a closer look at BYD’s new plug-in hybrid Seal U DM-i at the show.

The event for car dealers, held on November 13 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) near Birmingham, is a combination of an exhibition and a conference, and there will be over 50 innovative exhibitors under one roof on the day, as well as over 30 speakers to share their perspective and best practice ideas across four dedicated Digital & Technology, Sales, Aftersales and Strategy theatres.

Attendance to Automotive Management Live is free of charge for dealers and OEMs who register in advance. 

The BYD team will be on hand at the event following the brand's recent expanson of its range to include a plug-in hybrid model for the first time in the UK, in addition to its all-electric models like the Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal.

The Seal U is a D-segment SUV, priced from £33,205, that will compete with the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage, and like all plug-in hybrid cars it enables buyers to benefit from zero-emission electric-driven motoring for local journeys and a petrol engine for longer trips to avoid any charge and range anxiety.

Based on BYD's existing Seal saloon, the new Seal U has BYD's DM-i hybrid powertrain beneath the bonnet, which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor, and derivatives will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

An all electric Seal U is expected to be available in the UK later.

BYD has outlined ambitious plans for 2024 and plans to move fast to deliver an electric vehicle (EV) in every segment of the UK market. It is already establishing a franchised dealer network with over 100 expected to be establsihed before the end of next year.

The brand has already partnered with dealer groups like Vertu Motors, Lookers, Arnold Clark, LSH Auto, Swansway, Pentagon and more.

Vaughan Blackman, chief executive of LSH Auto UK, is one of the speakers confirmed for Automotive Management Live and he'll be discussing his group's expansion outside of the Mercedes brand with BYD.

This is part of a wider discussion with Ian Plummer, Auto Trader's commercial director and Steve Young, ICDP managing director on the subject of refranchising and due diligence with the many emerging brands that are breaking into the UK car market.

Reasons to attend this year’s AM Live

  • Take key tips and tricks back to your business
  • Join in the debate on the biggest topics in the industry like FCA regulation, used electric vehicle sales, omnichannel retailing and more
  • Connect with new and innovative suppliers
  • Refine and solidify your 2-3 year strategy
  • Learn the latest digital techniques and skills
  • Network with motor retail peers, manufacturer and supplier partners

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