To say that BYD has been making a killing in sales is an understatement. With demand for New Energy Vehicles (both BEVs and PHEVs) at an all-time high, major markets like Southeast Asia and Oceania are fast becoming BYD's biggest cash cows.

Unfortunately, a clerical error has resulted in BYD giving customers old cars instead of brand new 2026 model year vehicles in Australia.

Recently, BYD came under fire in Australia after the automaker sold 1,265 vehicles to customers that were supposed to be brand new 2026 models, but were, in fact, 2025 model year vehicles. BYD tried to fix this by offering AUD 1,100 in compensation for the mix-up. While other customers accepted the compensation (which only covers the dealer delivery charge), most were none too pleased about paying good money for a brand new BYD and then getting old ones instead.

Many customers pointed out that while the AUD 1,100 compensation was a nice gesture, it was simply not good enough given they paid good money for a brand new vehicle. While the cars themselves did not have any kinds of issues, it did affect customers' trust in the brand, the dealerships, and possibly with insurance companies. Other customers, meanwhile, brought up the issue of resale value, which will affect their vehicles that are actually from 2025.

With over 1,200 customers affected and the issue already blowing up, BYD Australia Company Director for Public Relations Paul Ellis announced that all 1,265 affected customers will be offered a full refund due to the clerical error that resulted in giving customers old vehicles.

“It was an administrative error that occurred. There was no deceit. We will offer customers a full refund. They will take that refund, and if they wish to have a new transaction, they can purchase another BYD from us,” said Ellis.

So how did the error happen in the first place?

According to the company, the problem stemmed from recording the date the vehicles left the factory instead of the actual vehicle production date. The incorrect information was then filtered through the company's customer systems and sales documentation despite the official government records containing the correct manufacturing details.

So while the 2025 model year BYD vehicles that were sold to customers had no issues or major differences and still followed Australian regulations, the bigger issue was the fact that it would affect the resale value. Moreover, customers paid for a brand new 2026 model year vehicle but instead got 2025 model year units.

While BYD Australia is already in the process of offering full refunds to customers, that hasn't stopped consumer watchdogs like the Consumer Policy Research Center (CPRC). In fact, CPRC CEO Erin Turner has called for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to investigate the matter, questioning whether BYD misled its customers in clear violation of consumer law.

Sources: News.com.au and ABC News Australia