Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motors has accused rival BYD of not complying with Chinese environmental standards with two of its hybrid models. According to Great Wall, the fuel tanks of these models were leaking noxious fumes. BYD has responded by denying these accusations, citing independent national certifications.

The accusations come from testing performed by Great Wall Motors, the sixth biggest automotive OEM in China, which purchased and tested Qin Plus and Song Plus hybrid models from BYD (#1 in China) before accusing their rival of not complying with emissions standards by using non-pressurized fuel tanks, which are more prone to leaking.

BYD has retorted that “our products comply with national standards and have been certified by the relevant national authorities. The relevant departments are welcome at any time to investigate and carry out tests”. The company has also mentioned its right to legal action against these accusations. It remains to be seen if the dispute between the Chinese car manufacturers will escalate to the courtroom.

Southeast Asia on the radar

Meanwhile, BYD is looking to expand to the rest of the Southeast Asian market, where the Japanese OEMs traditionally reign supreme. For example, at the Bangkok motor show, a real sales show similar to the Brussels Motor Show, held in the second half of March, BYD came in ninth in sales with just the compact EV Atto 3 present at the show.

BYD has also opened a factory in Thailand, which is set to build up to 150 000 vehicles annually from 2024. Thailand, in particular, is an attractive market for affordable EV makers, thanks to government subsidies of up to 150 000 baht (4 000 euros) per electric vehicle and cheap electricity.