Milton Keynes – June 2025: In a resounding endorsement from the British motoring public, BYD has been named ‘Most Loved Brand’ at the 2025 AutoTrader Drivers’ Choice Awards – a coveted accolade made all the more significant by the fact that it is voted for by more than 200,000 real-world UK car owners.
Unlike traditional industry awards determined by panels of experts or media insiders, the AutoTrader Drivers’ Choice Awards are rooted in consumer sentiment. The results are based on direct feedback from drivers who live with their vehicles every day – giving the win unprecedented weight. For BYD, a brand that officially launched its passenger car lineup in the UK just two years ago, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
Alongside its headline victory, BYD was shortlisted in six additional categories, with strong showings for the ATTO 3 in the Most Loved Car category, the SEAL U DM-i for Best Value New Car, and the brand itself in Car Brand with the Best Tech – further underscoring the company’s growing appeal.
A Meteoric Rise
Since its official UK debut in March 2023, BYD – short for Build Your Dreams – has launched five fully electric vehicles and one plug-in hybrid, rapidly establishing itself as the country’s fastest growing automotive brand. In that time, it has surpassed 25,000 sales – a feat few new entrants can claim.
The brand’s latest release, the DOLPHIN SURF, hit the market just last week and represents BYD’s most accessible offering to date. Priced from just £18,650, or £269 per month with a £269 deposit, the entry-level Active trim blends sporty styling with spacious practicality and a suite of high-tech features. It is poised to shake up the compact EV market by bringing premium quality to an affordable price point.
Backed by a Decade of Experience
Although its cars are new to British roads, BYD is no stranger to the UK. The company has been operating in the country’s commercial transport sector for over a decade, with more than 2,500 BYD electric buses in operation – and over 70% market share in London’s electric bus fleet. This legacy of innovation and scale has helped pave the way for its successful move into the passenger car space.
What Drivers Are Saying
Rory Reid, YouTube Director at AutoTrader, reflected on BYD’s remarkable progress:
“BYD’s really made waves since arriving on UK shores, and winning the Most Loved Brand in just a few short years is a massive achievement and testament to the quality of the product. This came through loud and clear from our owners, with one telling us: ‘The quality of interior, the tech, and the ride quality for the very competitive price is so impressive. It’s amazing value for money with no compromise versus competitors. I love it.’ High, and very well deserved, praise indeed.”
An Emotional Milestone
For BYD UK, the recognition has deep personal meaning.
Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director at BYD UK, commented:
“It is a huge honour for everyone at BYD to be voted the nation’s ‘Most Loved Brand’, and the fact it’s been voted for by real-world car owners makes it even more meaningful. BYD’s growth has been rapid and I’m extremely proud of our achievements; it’s amazing to see the hard work of our UK and retailer teams coming to fruition.”
Real Drivers, Real Opinions
Over 200,000 UK car owners participated in AutoTrader’s 2025 survey, candidly sharing their ownership experiences. Their insights determined 20 of the 25 award categories this year – giving the results a unique authenticity and reinforcing the trust British drivers have in brands that deliver.
As BYD continues to expand its lineup and footprint across the UK, its customer-first approach, advanced technology, and accessible pricing suggest that this is only the beginning of a much longer love story.
