BYDBYD Auto is an automobile manufacturer based in Xi'an, China. The firm was originally called Qinchuan and made a version of the Suzuki Alto called the Qinchuan QCJ 7080.
However in 2003 the firm was taken over by a mobile phone battery maker called BYD Company Limited, which, since its formation in 1995, has moved into other areas such as IT parts.
In 2001, the firm launched its first self-designed car called the Flyer and this was followed by a larger model called the F3 in 2005.
In November 2006, a new model called F8 was unveiled. This sports car is the battery producers first convertible and is a big step forward in technology advancement. This model bore a nose section clearly modelled on the Mercedes-Benz CLK and a rear section that bore a striking resemblance to the Renault Megane CC.
Formerly known as Xi'an Qinchuan, Byd Automobile Company was set up in early 2003 when mobile phone battery maker, Byd acquired 77 per cent of equity shares.
Originally the Qinchuan Machinery Factory first ventured into automobiles back in the mid-1980s with copies of the Honda Today and the Fiat 126. In 1992 the factory was among the few companies which introduced licence-produced Suzuki Alto. This version was called the Qinchuan QCJ 7080.
The company's first self-developed model, called Flyer (QCJ 7081B) was introduced in 2001. Byd has been busy developing new models and the mid-sized F3 went on sale in 2005.
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