Inchcape+ opens BYD commercial EV showroom in Singapore, partners ComfortDelGro for charging
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The BYD Commercial Mobility Hub cost around $300,000 to develop and is designed to showcase BYD’s electric commercial vehicle technologies.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Derryn Wong
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SINGAPORE - Inchcape+, a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange-listed automotive distributor Inchcape, opened a BYD showroom in Singapore on Jan 21 and signed an agreement with ComfortDelGro (CDG) to promote the adoption of commercial fleets.
The 2,000 sq ft BYD Commercial Mobility Hub at 1 Corporation Drive in Jurong cost around $300,000 to develop and is designed to showcase BYD’s electric commercial vehicle technologies.
Clients can learn how electric trucks and charging solutions can be customised for their business purposes, and can also test-drive the vehicle.
Mr James Ng, managing director of BYD Singapore and the Philippines, said that while having a showroom specifically for commercial vehicles is uncommon, it shows the importance BYD places in informing its customers about electric vehicle (EV) technology and enhancing their buying experience.
Inchcape+ is the subsidiary that is the authorised distributor of BYD’s T9R heavy electric truck, appointed in December 2023.
Meanwhile, the partnership with CDG aims to provide commercial EV fleets with electrification solutions. Inchcape+ will provide BYD’s electric trucks to fleets, customised for each business’ operational needs. CDG will deliver charging infrastructure and project financing support, which includes leasing schemes for the EVs.
Mr Li Zhengxi, director of commercial vehicles at Inchcape, said infrastructure and charging peripherals are a key aspect in the adoption of electric commercial vehicles and Inchcape’s partnership with CDG will help address different charging needs, which can vary greatly among industries.
In Singapore, Inchcape is known best as the parent company of Borneo Motors, the long-time distributor and dealer of Toyota, Lexus and Hino, as well as Champion Motors, which distributes Suzuki.
The opening of the locale also marked the official launch of the BYD T9R, which has a range of 320km. At its fastest charging speed, it can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in about one hour.
The T9R is at the centre of Inchcape’s push, suitable for industries such as construction, logistics and waste management, said the company. At the Singapore International Transportation and Commercial Expo in 2024, Inchcape marked its first order of 100 BYD T9R trucks. THE BUSINESS TIMES
