BYD seeks green resolution for urban traffic

By Zhang Rui
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, April 19, 2017
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New energy technology company BYD launched its annual gala on Monday with the promise to deepen research and development of electric vehicles, powertrains and SkyRail monorail systems to provide enhanced green transportation solutions for curbing traffic jams and air pollution in urban areas.

Wang Chuanfu, the chairman and president of BYD, speaks at its annual gala in Shanghai, April 17, 2017. [Photo/ China.org.cn]

Wang Chuanfu, the chairman and president of BYD, speaks at its annual gala in Shanghai, April 17, 2017. [Photo/China.org.cn]



"The trend to go electric is already irreversible," said Wang Chuanfu, the chairman and president of BYD, addressing a crowd of more than 2,000 attendees. "However, where is the next growth area? There's no doubt that it will be consumer vehicles, mostly plug-in hybrid models."

The Shenzhen-based company, which used the event to celebrate a record five-billion-yuan (US$726.97 million) profit in 2016, also unveiled the "Dynasty" prototype vehicle created by its new design director Wolfgang Egger.

BYD is preparing to make an even greater push internationally by investing in world class technology and expertise that can advance its vision of creating an eco-system of quality new energy products.

One such system is the five-billion-yuan SkyRail monorail that has been under development for five years by its 1,000-strong R&D crew before being launched last October.

Wang believes China should learn from Japan, which managed to make Greater Tokyo, the most populous metropolitan area in the world, run smoothly and avoid major traffic jam headaches. "We should also build a city on tracks rather than one on wheels," he said, adding Tokyo has greatest concentration of train tracks in a transportation network that includes the Shinkansen high-speed line, numerous subways and monorail lines. As a result, 90 percent of local residents are happy to travel around by train because it's convenient.

He said the SkyRail monorail would be cheaper than subway and, traveling above the surface, would not worsen traffic condition on the ground. "We have started to build this monorail in five cities -- Shantou, Shenzhen, Guang'an, Bengbu and Jilin. Next year, we will probably have 20 cities operating the SkyRail. It will make the urbanization for China more sustainable and healthier," he said.

In addition, the event at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center saw the launch of BYD's electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles of the Song series, the Song EV300 and Song DM. Furthermore, Song seven-seater will debut at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show opening today.

BYD also revealed the appointment of Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio as brand ambassador in China for its new energy vehicles, along with the recent hiring of two European automobile heavyweights to underscore the company's strategic global expansion.

"BYD provides an opportunity to help a young brand develop its design DNA as it looks to expand its global footprint," said BYD design director Wolfgang Egger. "This concept vehicle will take BYD's consumer vehicles in an exciting new direction, with design features like its dragon-inspired exterior drawing inspiration from China's rich cultural heritage."

BYD supports a concerted effort in mitigating climate change. Last year it used the C40 Climate Change conference in Mexico to call for a joint effort in reducing the global temperature by one degree Celsius.

Since its establishment in 1995, BYD has developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries. It has successfully expanded its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions.

It has created a Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem -- affordable solar power generation, reliable energy storage, cutting-edge electrified transportation and a state-of-the-art monorail. These Four Green Dreams, experts say, has made BYD an industry leader in the energy and transportation sector.

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