ECONOMYNEXT – John Keells CG Auto, agents for BYD in Sri Lanka says 3,700 vehicles were delivered to customers in the September 2025 quarter, taking the total sold since vehicle imports were re-opened to 6,000 units.
“We currently have a further 3,800 orders for delivery in the ensuing months,” John Keells Holdings told shareholders.
“The strong performance of JKCG during the quarter was driven by the number of vehicles handed over to customers.
“The business continues to enjoy a dominant market position, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) segment driven by the strong brands of BYD and JKCG.”
JKCG has halted the delivery of EVs after customs detained several thousand BYDs in a dispute that arose over the motor capacity and output of 100kW Atto 3 vehicle.
JKCG has gone to court and protested that only vehicles of BYD brand have been detained.
“JKCG has contested the basis on which Sri Lanka Customs were refraining from clearing the vehicles and sought Interim Relief from the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka to release the said vehicles,” the firm said.
“Sri Lanka Customs agreed to release certain vehicles in the initial shipments, on the basis of JKCG providing a bank guarantee until such time the issue is resolved.
“The initial batch of vehicles that were detained have been cleared and sold to customers while some vehicles remain detained. We expect to have these vehicles also cleared by Sri Lanka Customs in the near future.”
Sri Lanka authorities are attempting to test vehicle motors said it had proposed testing at an internationally accredited motor laboratory.
“While the sales of the EV range of BYD have been muted due to these events, JKCG has ramped up its focus on the hybrid segment offered by BYD and has seen strong interest for these models which will help sustain the momentum of sales witnessed.”
“KCG launched the ‘BYD Sealion 5’ in September 2025 and the business will continue to expand its range of vehicles to capture different customer segments at varying pricing points in the ensuing quarters.
“JKCG also commenced undertaking pre-bookings for ‘DENZA’ vehicles – a premium range of NEVs in October 2025, ahead of the official launch in the third quarter of 2025/26.”
Two showrooms were opened in Kurunegala and Moratuwa, taking the total to 8.
John Keells said it will expand a charging network at its super market chain and other business locations across Sri Lanka. (Colombo/Nov04/2025)