Inchcape+ opens BYD commercial EV showroom in Singapore, partners ComfortDelGro for charging

Inchcape+ will provide vehicles for commercial fleets, while ComfortDelGro delivers charging infrastructure and financing support 

Derryn Wong
Published Tue, Jan 21, 2025 · 11:00 AM — Updated Tue, Jan 21, 2025 · 10:31 PM
    • The opening of the 2,000 square foot BYD showroom comes after Inchcape was appointed as a distributor of the brand in 2023.
    • The opening of the 2,000 square foot BYD showroom comes after Inchcape was appointed as a distributor of the brand in 2023. PHOTO: DERRYN WONG, BT

    INCHCAPE+, a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange-listed automotive distributor Inchcape, on Tuesday (Jan 21) opened a 2,000 square foot BYD showroom in Singapore’s west and signed an agreement with ComfortDelGro (CDG) to promote the adoption of commercial fleets.

    Located at 1 Corporation Drive in Jurong, the BYD Commercial Mobility Hub cost around S$300,000 to develop and is designed to showcase BYD’s electric commercial vehicle technologies. At the locale, clients learn how electric trucks and charging solutions can be customised for their business purposes and also test drive the vehicle.

    James Ng, managing director of BYD Singapore and Philippines, told The Business Times that while having a showroom specifically for commercial vehicles is uncommon, the facility reflects the importance BYD places in informing its customers about EV technology and enhancing their buying experience.

    Inchcape+ is the subsidiary that is the authorised distributor of BYD’s T9R heavy electric truck, appointed in December 2023.

    Meanwhile, the partnership with CDG aims to provide commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleets with electrification solutions. Inchcape+ will provide BYD’s electric trucks to fleets, customised for each business’ operational needs. CDG will deliver charging infrastructure and project financing support, which includes leasing schemes for the EVs.

    Li Zhengxi, director of commercial vehicles at Inchcape, said infrastructure and charging peripherals are a key aspect in the adoption of electric commercial vehicles and that Inchcape’s partnership with CDG will help address different charging needs, which can vary greatly among industries.

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    In Singapore, Inchcape is best known as the parent company of Borneo Motors, the long-time distributor and dealer of Toyota, Lexus and Hino, as well as Champion Motors, the distributor of Suzuki.

    The opening of the locale also marked the official launch of the BYD T9R, which has a range of 320 km. At its fastest charging speed, it can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in about one hour.

    The T9R is at the centre of Inchcape’s push, suitable for industries such as construction, logistics and waste management, said the company.

    At last year’s Singapore International Transportation and Commercial Expo, Inchcape marked its first order of 100 BYD T9R trucks.

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