BYD Issues Apology Following Manufacturing Defect in Flagship SUV

Electric vehicle giant BYD has issued an official apology to owners of its new flagship electric SUV, the Great Tang—known in China as the Datang. The company confirmed a manufacturing defect resulted in wheels being incorrectly installed on a number of vehicles. Specifically, the wider wheels intended for the rear axle were mounted on the front, while the narrower front wheels were placed at the rear. ## A Manufacturing Error The issue came to light after vehicle owners posted complaints on the social media platform Weibo. BYD immediately launched an internal investigation and determined that the error originated at a component supplier's factory in Hubei Province. The company stated that the flaw has since been rectified, and the supplier has implemented additional visual inspection mechanisms on the production line to prevent similar occurrences in the future. ## Compensation and Safety Guarantees Although BYD did not specify how many vehicles were affected, the company emphasised that the error poses no safety risks. Nevertheless, to maintain customer trust, the manufacturer plans to provide a full, free replacement of the affected wheels. Furthermore, the company is offering affected owners a loaner vehicle or full reimbursement for any transportation expenses incurred. Notably, BYD announced that the warranty period for these vehicles will be reset, a move reflecting the company's commitment to accountability. ## Global Ambitions The Great Tang model, which launched in March, has proven popular in China with orders already reaching 150,000 units. The vehicle has a starting price of approximately $40,000 USD. The company plans to introduce the model to international markets in Europe and Asia by late 2026 or early 2027. For consumers following the Chinese electric vehicle market, this incident highlights the importance of quality control in mass production. While the technical issue is minor, the compensation package offered demonstrates the weight BYD places on its reputation as it prepares for global expansion.