BYD faces scrutiny in Thailand over EV price cuts, triggering an official inquiry, while General Motors settles with the EPA for emissions violations. The cases highlight the importance of compliance in the EV industry and adherence to emissions regulations.
BYD Faces Scrutiny in Thailand Over EV Price Cuts
BYD, a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is under investigation in Thailand following significant price reductions on its cars. The company, which became the country’s best-selling EV brand last year with nearly 20,000 units sold, recently slashed prices by up to 340,000 baht (approximately $10,000). This move has triggered complaints from consumers and initiated an official inquiry.
The Atto 3, BYD’s first EV in Thailand, hit the market in November 2022 and quickly became the top-selling model. Customers have alleged that dealers misled them about future price increases, only to later reduce prices further, causing dissatisfaction among recent buyers.
BYD has committed to the Thai market, aiming to meet the government’s target of 30% EV production by 2030. The company is set to complete its first EV manufacturing plant in the country by July 2024, which will have a capacity for 150,000 vehicles annually. This facility aims to cater to both the domestic market and neighboring countries.
In the broader international context, BYD continues to be a significant player, recently achieving high sales figures and positioning itself as the second-largest EV brand globally, just behind Tesla.
General Motors Settles Over Emissions Violations
The Biden administration has announced a settlement with General Motors (GM) following an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The inquiry found that GM sold around six million vehicles between 2012 and 2018 that emitted more carbon dioxide than permitted under federal regulations.
GM will pay penalties exceeding $145.8 million for these emissions violations. The EPA discovered that the automaker had sold approximately 4.6 million full-sized pickup trucks and SUVs, along with 1.3 million midsize SUVs, which failed to comply with Obama-era emissions standards intended to reduce environmental impact.
The EPA’s investigation underscores the importance of adherence to vehicle emissions regulations to ensure public health and environmental protection. Michael S. Regan, the EPA administrator, emphasized that the agency’s actions hold companies accountable and reinforce the need for strict oversight to deliver tangible public health benefits.
