On friday the 28th of March, Nigeria witnessed a significant milestone in its automotive landscape as BYD, the world’s leading electric car manufacturer, officially launched in the country. The launch event saw the introduction of two models — the BYD ATTO 3 and the Dolphin — marking the beginning of a new era for electric mobility in Nigeria.
BYD entered the Nigerian market through LOXEA, a subsidiary of CFAO Mobility, which is introducing not just vehicles but also essential EV infrastructure, maintenance, and after-sales support.
The event took place over the weekend at Alliance Française, Ikoyi, in a stylish and glamorous evening under the stars. It was well attended by industry leaders, stakeholders, and car enthusiasts, including the Brand Manager of CFAO France, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment — Honourable Folashade Ambrose Medebem, and Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman of CFAO Nigeria. The event wasn’t just a launch; it was a celebration of innovation and the future of electric mobility in Nigeria.
Industry Leaders Speak on BYD’s Launch in Nigeria
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Mehdi Slimani, the Managing Director of LOXEA Nigeria, expressed his excitement about the brand’s introduction:
“We’re very proud to be the official distributor of BYD in Nigeria. BYD is a global leader in electric vehicles, and this launch marks a significant step forward. As far as electric cars are concerned, BYD has set the standard worldwide. Starting next month, we’ll be introducing more models, making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. Today, we’re entering the market with two cars, and this is just the beginning.”
Mr. Pierre Toulotte, the BYD brand manager from Paris, highlighted the importance of this move:
“Today, we’re reaching an important milestone — BYD is the first brand to sell EVs in Nigeria. We believe this will be a great success. We’re launching with two models: the Dolphin, a compact city car, and the Atto 3, a versatile SUV perfect for both city driving and long-distance trips. This is a proud moment because mobility needs to evolve in a cleaner, more sustainable way. Our goal is to contribute to a greener planet for the next generation.”
We also spoke to the Honorable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Honorable Mrs. Folashade Ambrose Medebem, who emphasized the significance of BYD’s entry into the Nigerian market:
“This is a step in the right direction. Reducing CO₂ emissions is crucial, and this move aligns with global efforts toward sustainability. When it comes to transforming transportation, every major shift begins with a first step. Now, our focus should be on driving awareness and ensuring the public understands the impact of this launch. It’s no surprise that this milestone is happening in Lagos, the commercial and financial capital of Nigeria.”
234Drive, Africa’s largest automotive and mobility platform, played a crucial role in this milestone event. Gaining exclusive access to both vehicles a week ahead of the launch, the 234Drive team took them on Lagos roads, testing their performance and providing expert insights.
At the launch, Crank and Richard Davies of 234Drive delivered a live, in-depth review of the BYD Dolphin and ATTO 3, offering first hand experiences and expert analysis. Their coverage showcased the standout features, performance, and the potential impact of these models on the Nigerian market.
BYD is a high-tech multinational company and a world leader in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. As a Fortune Global 500 enterprise, the company has been at the forefront of sustainable innovation. In November 2024, BYD became the first company in the world to reach the milestone of producing its 10th millionth new energy vehicle (NEV). With a record 4.27 million NEV sales in 2024, BYD has remained the global sales champion for three consecutive years.
The brand’s commitment to clean energy and its relentless pursuit of innovation has positioned it as a leader in the transition to electric mobility worldwide.
At the launch event, LOXEA partnered with Pith Africa, a creative collective known for crafting experiences and visuals that celebrate Africa’s evolving identity. Together, they introduced “It All Starts with a Naija Dream,” a powerful narrative marking BYD in Nigeria. As part of the collaboration, Pith Africa also designed a striking cover for the BYD Dolphin, which was unveiled at the event.
With BYD’s arrival, Nigeria is not just welcoming a new car brand — it’s embracing the future of sustainable mobility. As the country takes a significant step toward cleaner transportation, LOXEA and CFAO Mobility are committed to building the necessary infrastructure to support widespread EV adoption.
This launch marks just the beginning. With more models set to arrive in the coming months, Nigeria’s automotive landscape is evolving, and BYD is leading the way.
