BYD to unveil hybrid system in Korea for first time at Busan motor show

BYD Korea will introduce its proprietary hybrid technology to Korean consumers for the first time at this month's Busan Mobility Show, accelerating its push into the Korean market by expanding its eco-friendly vehicle lineup beyond electric vehicles.

The company announced Wednesday it will officially participate in the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, running from June 26 to July 5 at BEXCO in Busan. It will operate an exhibition booth throughout the event and hold activities for visitors.

The central concept of the exhibition is "The Power of Duality" — a message reflecting BYD's technological direction of combining two distinct elements to create new value. Through the showcase, BYD Korea plans to present its vision for future mobility and its eco-friendly technology credentials directly to Korean consumers.

The highlight of the exhibition will be the domestic debut of BYD's proprietary DM-i system. BYD's DM technology is a hybrid system developed from the company's electrification expertise, rooted in its origins as a battery manufacturer. BYD launched its first mass-production plug-in hybrid model in 2008 and has refined the technology since, with DM-based vehicles now totaling more than 8 million units sold worldwide.

DM-i is positioned as an "EV-based hybrid," combining a high-efficiency engine, high-performance motor and battery technology to maximize energy efficiency. Power is delivered through an Electric Hybrid System, or EHS, in which the electric motor and engine work in tandem without a conventional transmission — simplifying the drivetrain and reducing shift shock for a smoother ride.

BYD Korea also plans to highlight the achievements of its commercial vehicle division, which marks its 10th anniversary in Korea this year, alongside the recent growth of its passenger car segment. Having reached cumulative sales of 10,000 units in the shortest time among imported car brands, the company is expected to use the Busan show to expand its reach to customers outside the Greater Seoul area.

As the eco-friendly vehicle market diversifies beyond pure electric vehicles to include hybrids and plug-in hybrids, the show is expected to give BYD a platform to demonstrate its technological capabilities directly to Korean consumers. Interest in high-efficiency hybrid technology is growing, particularly as more buyers weigh concerns about charging infrastructure and driving range.

"Our participation in the Busan Mobility Show goes beyond a simple product exhibition — it is a commitment to strengthening communication with Korean consumers and demonstrating our long-term dedication and sense of responsibility toward the Korean market," a BYD Korea official said. "Just as we did when we first entered Korea 10 years ago, BYD will continue to contribute, as a responsible corporate citizen, to the development of the domestic eco-friendly vehicle ecosystem and the transition to sustainable mobility."