BYD's F5 Suri proves its might after 8,000km
- By Abduel Elinaza
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 2, 2014
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The BYD F5 Suri leads the BYD F3 and S6 fleet in Almaty. [China.org.cn] |
The BYD F5 Suri saloon car, after covering 8,000 km in 35 days, has proved itself up to the challenge posed by two Dutch men who are driving from Shanghai to Rotterdam.
The 'Brand New China' involves a 20,000-kilometer drive along the former Silk Road through 11 countries using just Chinese brands and products, however, after 8,000 kilometers the car from Shanghai to Almaty in Kazakhstan has already proved its might.
The marathon trip is the brainchild of two young Dutchmen, Rogier Bikker and Maren Striker, who have lived and worked in China for several years.
Welcoming the team in Almaty, BYD Europe Managing Director Isbrand Ho said in press release that he bid farewell to Rogier and Maren via a video message 35 days ago and wished them well on the remainder of their adventure.
"A few moments ago they were telling me that they have not experienced any problems with the car despite some incredibly challenging road conditions on the way from China," Ho said.
He added: "I'll be proud to welcome them to their Dutch homeland by the end of October when I'll be joined by the Mayor of Rotterdam at a special ceremony."
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The BYD F5 Suri arrives in Almaty, Kazakhstan. [China.org.cn] |
The "Brand New China" initiative is seeking to demonstrate that Chinese brands are fully capable of competing in the West. BYD is the principle sponsor since the company has design and technology at the core of its culture.
The journey coincides with the celebration of the 35th year of the sister city relationship between Shanghai and Rotterdam.
The BYD F5 Suri car which features on this epic 20,000 kilometer drive is a good demonstration of BYD's design culture.
Ho said the car has not only set a new record, scoring 5 star results in the Chinese NCAP crash test, but performed better than many cars made by international brands such as Ford's Kuga and Volkswagen's Santana.
"We are very pleased that Rogier and Maren have brought together other famous Chinese brands on board our BYD car for the trip but are delighted that it is the car which will feature most strongly in the TV and other media coverage of their progress," Ho said.
Mr Ho said that BYD plans to increase its sales substantially in the dynamic and growing Kazakhstan market.
"Selling cars depends upon a host of factors – brand values and identity are key, but there are many others. For example, service and reliability," he said.
In view of the remoteness of some sections of the route, which prevents the deployment of advanced hybrid or fully electric cars it plans to bring to Europe soon, BYD supplied the Dutch pair with the F5, one of its gasoline fuelled cars.
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