BYD launches nationwide fuel-efficiency challenge for Sea Lion 6 DM-i

BYD Korea announced Thursday it will hold the Sea Lion 6 DM-i National Fuel Efficiency Challenge from Saturday through Oct. 31 to mark its 10th anniversary in South Korea.

The BYD Sea Lion 6 DM-i is the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and midsize SUV BYD Korea has introduced to the domestic market. It delivers a quiet, comfortable driving experience similar to a fully electric vehicle during everyday use while also offering the option of engine assistance.

The event is designed to raise awareness of BYD's DM-i plug-in hybrid technology and let customers experience its real-world fuel efficiency firsthand. The challenge will be held at 32 BYD Auto showrooms across the country, though six locations — Bundang, Starfield Ilsan, Starfield Village Unjeong, Starfield Anseong, Starfield Market Wolgye and Starfield City Myeongji — are excluded. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both weekdays and weekends.

Participants will drive the Sea Lion 6 DM-i on a designated course of about 10 kilometers near each showroom and receive gifts based on their recorded fuel efficiency. Those achieving between 16 and 19 kilometers per liter will receive a portable reel cable; those between 19 and 22 kilometers per liter will receive a Sea Lion keyring; and those recording 22 kilometers per liter or above will receive a travel tumbler.

A social media review event will also run alongside the challenge. Twenty standout posts submitted by participants on their personal social media accounts will be selected by draw, with each winner receiving a department store gift certificate worth 50,000 won ($37).

"We hope customers will use this fuel efficiency challenge to experience firsthand the real-world efficiency that BYD's plug-in hybrid technology delivers," a BYD Korea official said. "We will continue to develop a wide range of programs that allow customers to directly experience and engage with the BYD brand and its technology."

Meanwhile, BYD Korea recently opened its 21st passenger vehicle service center, BYD Auto Yongin Service Center, and began offering customized maintenance services, continuing to expand its service network and marketing activities to improve customer convenience and broaden its reach.