Geely Auto’s Compact EV Debut: Xingyuan Takes Flight in China’s Price War Against BYD’s Seagull

Geely Auto of China has introduced its inaugural compact electric vehicle, the Xingyuan, to contest with BYD's Seagull.

The Xingyuan is set to directly clash with BYD's Seagull car in a bid to entice young, novice car purchasers during a continuing pricing battle in the domestic market.

The latest model, called Xingyuan – a Chinese term symbolizing "a wish upon a star" – boasts a roomy layout for its stature, as per the firm's statement. Highlighting "aesthetics, accessibility, and smartness" as its fundamental design elements, the car aims to generate "sentimental worth" for its users, according to Geely.

The Xingyuan is set to rival BYD's Seagull, a model that was introduced in April of the previous year by the company supported by Berkshire Hathaway, as its most compact and economically priced vehicle. The Seagull is available for less than 70,000 yuan (US$9,846).

Geely announced that the cost details for the Xingyuan will be disclosed at a later date.

Manufacturers of electric vehicles are engaged in an intense pricing battle to protect their individual market portions as the Chinese market gets more congested. This fierce rivalry is reducing profit margins for both electric and gas-powered vehicles.