BYD debuts Qin hybrid at MIAS

Solar Transport Automotive Resources Corp., (STAR Corp.), the exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in the Philippines, unveiled the QIN (pronounced as CHIN), BYD’s second-generation Plug-in-Hybrid Sports Saloon, during the Manila International Auto Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Named after the first Emperor of China, who unified the country’s cultures and nations, the Qin is a solid testament to BYD’s strengths as a carmaker and proof that the company’s technologies are ahead of the competition by leaps and bounds.

The Qin was designed from the ground up as a dual-mode hybrid, unlike existing internal combustion cars that were adapted to hybrids.   Not only is the Qin a creative masterpiece, calling upon many design elements derived from ancient Qin Dynasty weaponry and symbols, it is designed to have both power and efficiency without compromise, unlike any other plug-in-hybrid sedan built to date.

Endowed with performance, fuel economy and cutting-edge technology, the Qin offers pure driving enjoyment with its power train, which cranks out 300 hp and is capable of propelling the car from zero to 100 kph in less than 5.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 185 kph.   It is also perfect as a daily commuter thanks to its hybrid mode, which is not limited by range as in the case of pure electric cars, allowing the Qin to overcome many of the paradigms that often plague plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

The BYD Qin is a plug-in hybrid car that has three basic modes: HEV-SPORT, which uses both the gasoline engine and the electric motor to power the car, producing a total of 300hp and all 440Nm of Torque on demand; HEV-ECO mode which employs the electric motor from zero to 40 kph and automatically starts the gasoline engine when the Qin reaches 40 kph to combine both the electric and gasoline engines to power the ca, which yields a fuel consumption figure of more than 50 km/l; and Pure EV mode, which uses only the electric motor to power the car over a total range of 70 km.

To charge the Qin, there are two options: A wall charger which requires installation and can charge the vehicle from zero to 100 percent in 3.5 hours and a mobile charger that can be plugged into any 220-volt plug and can charge the Qin from zero to 100 percent in eight hours. The cost of a full charge is about P100 based on current Meralco rates.

The BYD Qin is the first of BYD’s Dual Mode II (DMII) vehicles. The Qin was warmly received by the Chinese media when it was launched in 2013, and became China’s best-selling hybrid with more than 16,000 units sold in 2014. And judging by the across-the-board approvals from the Central and South American auto distributors present at the release and test driving events in Costa Rica, the Qin will continue to do its name justice as it captivates the hearts and minds of the western world.

BYD plans to have plug-in hybrid models of all of its gasoline models in the future. In China, BYD has already launched the Tang, which is the plug-in hybrid variant of the S6 four-wheel-drive SUV. The Tang produces a total output of 505 hp, which is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds and it is remarkable in fuel efficiency because of the hybrid technology.

BYD continues to show its leadership in technologies that are not only economical but also helps to restore the environment. BYD’s Qin will be the flagship in company’s new energy automotive product lineup. Its launch in the Philippines marked another milestone in the history of STAR Corp.

“One of BYD’s thrusts is the refinement and promotion of hybrid vehicle technology as a viable solution to the problem of exhaust emissions and global warming,” said STAR Corp. managing director Mark Tieng.

“This is the reason why we at BYD Philippines cannot be more excited to bring our second-generation plug-in-hybrid sports saloon into the country. Indeed, this marks another breakthrough in the automotive industry as the Qin is a new benchmark in automobiles. To be able to make this wonderful vehicle available to the public is a dream come true for us.”

Visit the BYD showrooms located along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong, North EDSA and Batangas or call 538.8888.  For BYD customers, call your BRO at Service Hotline (0917) 650-1111.