BYD will upgrade the software for the recalled vehicles free of charge via OTA to ensure that the reversing image is displayed properly.

(BYD Seagull. Image credit: CnEVPost)

BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) is recalling some of its electric vehicles (EVs) in China over a software issue, the first time it has done so in the last few years.

BYD will recall 16,666 Seagull EVs manufactured between April 7, 2023 and May 31, 2023, starting May 20, according to an announcement on China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) website today.

Due to a software issue with the camera driver in the multimedia display assembly, some of the vehicles within the recall may experience a problem where the reverse screen cannot be displayed, according to the announcement.

This may affect the driver's field of vision when backing up, increasing the risk of a vehicle collision and posing a safety hazard, the announcement said.

BYD will upgrade the software for free for the vehicles within the recall through OTA (over the air) technology to ensure that the reversing image is displayed properly.

For vehicles that cannot implement the recall through OTA, BYD will contact users and upgrade the software for the vehicles free of charge to eliminate potential safety hazards, the announcement said.

The Seagull is by far the least expensive model under the BYD umbrella and one of the highest selling BYD models. The model is known as the Dolphin Mini in some overseas markets.

The model initially went on sale in China on April 26, 2023, when it had a starting price of RMB 73,800 ($10,200).

On March 6 this year, BYD launched the Seagull's Glory Edition with a starting price of RMB 69,800, which is RMB 4,000, or 5.42 percent, lower than its predecessor.

Currently, the Seagull Glory Edition is offered in three variant, like its predecessor, with starting prices of RMB 69,800, RMB 75,800 and RMB 85,800 respectively.

The battery electric vehicle (BEV) remains unchanged in terms of key specifications, with length, width and height remaining at 3,780 mm, 1,715 mm and 1,540 mm respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,500 mm.

The model continues to be powered by a blade battery based on lithium iron phosphate chemistry, with the two least expensive versions having a pack capacity of 30.08 kWh and the most expensive 38.88 kWh, as before.

These three versions have a CLTC range of 305 kilometers, 305 kilometers, and 405 kilometers, respectively.

The Seagull is one of BYD's best-selling models, selling 280,217 units in 2023, contributing 9 percent of BYD's annual sales of 3,024,417, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

BYD sold 302,459 new energy vehicles (NEVs) in March, with the Seagull selling 34,830 units, the third-highest selling BYD model.

By the end of March, the Seagull had sold a total of 1,232,450 units, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

($1 = RMB 7.2397)

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