TheBYD Shark 6 Unveiled in Australia last week, the cab/chassis was not part of the brand’s original local launch plans as strong customer demand prompted the company to introduce the new body style.
BYD’s first ute was launched in a single body style in October 2024 and has since become BYD’s second best seller and fifth most popular ute overall behind the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton – despite only offering plug-in hybrid power in a segment dominated by diesels.
All four of these competitors offered cab/chassis variants in 2025, typically positioned as more affordable and work-oriented alternatives.
BYD Asia Pacific boss Liu Xueliang said through an interpreter at the Melbourne Motor Show last week that the Shark 6 cab/chassis was never part of the original plan for Australia.
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“About three years ago I promised consumers in Australia that we would launch new models every year to really impress consumers and meet the needs of the local market,” he said.
“We have just launched the Shark cab/chassis which has been very well received by many consumers.
“We did not consider this model before, (but) we heard voices from consumers about the requirement and need for this cab/chassis truck model.
“That’s why we developed this special model specifically for the consumer here, and it will (hopefully) be a very popular model.”
BYD had to warn customers in January 2025 that the Shark 6’s tub was not designed for removal due to the PHEV hardware underneath, and confirmed that a cab/chassis version would be launched.
The Shark 6 Dynamic cab/chassis, now on sale, is priced at $55,900 (excluding on-road costs), $2,000 less than the standard ‘Style Side’ version already on sale with the same PHEV powertrain.
It is the only cab and chassis PHEV in Australia to date.
The Ford Ranger PHEV, launched in 2025, does not offer a cab/chassis variant, with Ford Australia saying key components of its hybrid system will be housed in the pickup tray.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is also only available as a pickup, although its starting price of $53,490 before on-road costs is less than the Shark 6 Dynamic cab/chassis.
The new body style is expected to further boost the Shark 6’s strong sales after it finished last year as the best-selling PHEV ute and the 18th best-selling vehicle overall in Australia.
The Shark 6 range also expands with a new flagship Performance model, featuring a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder PHEV powertrain.
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