Donnelly Group to bring global EV giant BYD to Ballymena showroom from mid-April

Motorists in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland will soon be able to explore one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle brands closer to home after Donnelly Group was appointed as an authorised BYD dealer.

The move marks a significant expansion in the local electric vehicle market, with customers set to access the new BYD range at Donnelly Group’s Ballymena and Dungannon locations from mid-April.

The appointment sees Northern Ireland’s largest independently owned vehicle retailer add the global EV leader to its portfolio at a time when demand for electric and low-emission transport continues to grow.

BYD set to arrive in Ballymena

Founded in 1995, BYD — short for Build Your Dreams — has become a dominant force in the global electric vehicle sector.

Operating in more than 70 countries, the company is widely recognised for its leadership in battery technology, electric vehicle innovation and zero-emission transport solutions.

Its arrival in Ballymena is expected to widen choice for local motorists considering the switch to electric, while also strengthening the town’s position as a key retail hub for major automotive brands in Northern Ireland.

Customers visiting the Ballymena showroom from mid-April will be able to view the latest BYD range in person, with specialist staff on hand to offer advice and support.

Dedicated EV specialists will be available to provide guidance on vehicle specifications, charging solutions and finance options.

Record global growth for BYD

The announcement comes on the back of a landmark year for the Chinese automotive giant.

BYD recorded global sales of more than 4.6 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) in 2025, underlining its position as the world’s leading electric car brand.

The company also reported a 27 per cent rise in battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales, reaching more than 2.25 million units.

That performance saw BYD move ahead of both Ford and Tesla in total plug-in vehicle sales — a major milestone in the increasingly competitive global EV market.

The figures reflect the pace at which the brand has expanded internationally and help explain its growing footprint across the UK and Ireland.

Donnelly Group welcomes new partnership

Dave Sheeran, Managing Director at Donnelly Group, said the addition of BYD reflects changing trends in the Northern Ireland motoring sector.

“We are delighted to welcome BYD to the Donnelly Group portfolio,” he said.

“The addition of BYD addresses an emerging segment in the Northern Ireland motoring landscape, offering customers affordable, quality and proven EV solutions.”

The partnership is likely to be seen as an important step in increasing access to mainstream electric vehicles for drivers in the Ballymena area, particularly as more households and businesses consider lower-emission transport options.

Northern Ireland expansion continues

BYD UK said the latest showroom openings build on strong growth already seen in Northern Ireland.

Liam Howel, Deputy Head of Retailer Marketing at BYD UK, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Donnelly Group to our ever-expanding UK network. We have seen fantastic growth in Northern Ireland and are excited to accelerate this further with the addition of BYD Dungannon and Ballymena. We are looking forward to welcoming customers to the new NI showrooms in April.”

The addition of Ballymena to the network is expected to improve accessibility for customers across Mid and East Antrim and the wider north of the province.

With electric vehicle adoption continuing to rise and infrastructure steadily improving, the launch places Ballymena at the centre of another major retail investment in the region’s motoring sector.

Further details on the BYD range and showroom opening dates are expected from mid-April.

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At a glance

• Donnelly Group has been appointed as an authorised BYD dealer in Northern Ireland

• BYD vehicles will be available in Ballymena and Dungannon from mid-April

• BYD operates in more than 70 countries worldwide

• The company sold over 4.6 million NEVs globally in 2025

• BEV sales rose 27 per cent to more than 2.25 million units

• BYD overtook Ford and Tesla in total plug-in sales

• EV specialists will be available in Ballymena for sales, charging and finance advice

• The move expands electric vehicle choice for local motorists