- The Car Dealer Power Awards 2024, run by the UK’s Car Dealer magazine, which polls car dealers across a selection of automotive-related rewards, has revealed its car of the year.
- With the electric BYD DOLPHIN trouncing opponents from both the ICE and EV sectors, it marks the second year in a row for an electric vehicle to be the favourite of car dealers, nationwide.
- Last year, the MG4 EV won the same prestigious award.
BYD DOLPHIN comes out on top
Over 1,000 nominations were made to the Car Dealer Power Awards this year, but it was the BYD DOLPHIN that emerged as the winner. Runners up included the new all-electric BMW i5, and the Suzuki Swift – of which a possible electric replacement is arriving soon. Car Dealer magazine gave several reasons for the DOLPHIN’s success, commending its 265 mile range capability, and its relatively lower starting price over European rivals. The panel also noted that dealers are ‘queuing up’ for the chance to become a BYD franchisee.
The award marks the second year in a row that the winner has gone to a Chinese-made electric car, with the MG4 EV topping the podium in last year’s awards. This highlights the remarkable pace in which Chinese EVs have begun to become a consumer and dealer favourite in the country – causing established manufacturers to rethink the affordability and performance of their new electric portfolios.
James Baggott, Editor in Chief at Car Dealer Magazine, commented on the result:
“It’s amazing to see the pace at which BYD has arrived and made an impact on the UK car market – and with cars like the DOLPHIN in its range it’s easy to see why dealers and customers are so impressed with the brand.
The BYD DOLPHIN shows an electric hatchback needn’t be expensive – relatively speaking for an EV – and costs less than nearly all its European competition. Factor in an impressive driving range, seating for five, and all the tech you’d ever need, it’s a bit of a game changer. Congratulations to BYD.”
Elsewhere, EVs have been dominating across other Car of the Year awards in recent years. The Renault Scenic E-Tech won the European-judged Car of the Year 2024 earlier this year, while EVs were also commonplace amongst Scotland’s recent annual car awards.
