What are the reasons for the discontinuation of BYD M6?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons for the discontinuation of BYD M6: 1. Market: BYD has a small market share, and continued production would result in losses, leading to the decision to halt production. 2. Production line: BYD has new models to introduce, requiring the freeing up of production lines. Below is some relevant information about BYD: 1. Brand history: BYD Company Limited was founded in 1995, starting with a team of just over 20 people. By 2003, it had grown into the world's second-largest rechargeable battery manufacturer and established BYD Auto in the same year. Starting with battery production, BYD's venture into automobile manufacturing was essentially stepping into the role of an 'outsider.' It was through the use of the resounding title of 'independent intellectual property rights' and the acquisition of Qinchuan Auto that BYD gained a first-mover advantage over other newcomers. 2. Brand introduction: BYD Auto adheres to a development path of independent research and development, independent production, and independent branding, with the goal of creating truly affordable and high-quality vehicles for the people. The design of its products not only incorporates advanced concepts from international trends but also aligns with the aesthetic values of Chinese culture.
The discontinuation of the BYD M6 was primarily due to changes in market demand. Nowadays, the family MPV market is being heavily squeezed by SUV models. Last year, the overall sales of MPVs were just over 200,000 units, and even the Wuling Hongguang couldn't sell well. Additionally, BYD's own new energy models are too popular, with all R&D resources being directed towards hybrid and pure electric fields. I've personally seen their production line adjustments—now even the production lines have been converted to manufacture the Seal DMI. The MPV market has always been niche, and the M6's fuel system was particularly gas-guzzling, with a fuel consumption of nearly 9 liters per 100 kilometers. Who would want to spend money on fuel? After its discontinuation, this car has become a rare sight even in the second-hand market.
I think it's a product positioning issue. The M6 was initially positioned as a high-end business model, but its price was stuck in the awkward range of 150,000 to 200,000 yuan. At the same price point, consumers could opt for the base models of the Odyssey or GL8—why would they choose a domestic brand? Additionally, there have been no updates or facelifts for three years, and the car lacks even basic smartphone connectivity, with an infotainment system that feels like a relic of the past. Nowadays, newly launched MPVs come with features like electric sliding doors and massage seats, while the M6 struggles to offer even an electric tailgate. BYD itself is pushing new energy high-end MPVs like the Denza D9, so it's no surprise they've neglected this outdated model—discontinuing it was inevitable.
From the perspective of automakers' decision-making, the signal of M6's discontinuation is too obvious. Production had already been scaled back three years ago, and later it was switched to order-based manufacturing with only a few dozen units produced per month. It's worth noting that maintaining a production line requires at least 500 units sold per month to be profitable. Now BYD has shut down all its fuel vehicle production lines to focus on electrification. The other day when I went to the 4S store for maintenance, the salesperson said they had long removed the M6 display cars, and the warehouse was stacked with newly arrived Song PLUS Champion Edition. Discontinuing production also helps avoid parts inventory backlog, and the money saved is enough to fund half of a DM system's R&D.
