BYD dealers in Thailand under investigation by authorities after consumer complaints of unfair discounts

According to a report by ReutersThai authorities are investigating BYD dealerships after a consumer complaint about aggressive discounts that were deemed unfair.

In a statement from the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, it was revealed that the investigation was triggered after a BYD customer alleged that a sales representative had proclaimed that the price of the customer’s car would increase after a discount campaign ended, but instead the dealership then reduced the price further.

“We have called the dealers to come this week to clarify why they have cut prices further and how they plan to find a solution for customers,” said Passakorn Thapmongkol, a senior official at the Consumer Protection Council of Thailand.

Other Thai customers shared similar complaints on social media, with user Thanasit Chai saying: “The seller said the prices would increase after the motor show, but in the end they were really reduced,” referring to the Bangkok motor show in March.

These complaints are likely to continue after Rever Automotive, the exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in Thailand, slashed prices of the Atto 3 by as much as 340,000 baht (about RM44,000) this month to celebrate the launch of BYD’s new production plant in the country.

On July 5, another Reuters According to a report, the Consumer Protection Council of Thailand has received about 70 complaints since the investigation began. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin asked BYD CEO Wang Chuanfu, who was there to run the plant, to better manage customer expectations on pricing and ensure that local buyers are protected. Wang assured that future pricing would be appropriate and that affected customers would receive support.

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