Stephen Collins Joins BYD Australia as COO & Sealion 8 PHEV and Atto 2 EV on the Way

BYD Australia has just hit the accelerator, appointing automotive veteran Stephen Collins as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. With more than 20 years of executive experience at top OEMs like Honda and Nissan — and a former board role with the FCAI — Collins is well-positioned to steer BYD through a critical growth phase as it shifts to a fully factory-backed distribution model. His appointment follows the recent naming of Kate Hornstein as BYD’s first Chief Marketing Officer, forming a dynamic leadership duo that underscores the brand’s serious commitment to the Australian market.

“Joining BYD at such a transformational time is a rare opportunity,” said Collins. “I’m thrilled to help shape what will be a defining era in Australian automotive.”

And there’s plenty to be excited about. BYD has confirmed two major model launches, both aimed at broadening its appeal and solidifying its reputation for high-tech, high-value vehicles.

Due in Q1 2026, the Sealion 8 is a bold new entry into the seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV segment. Built on BYD’s latest 5.0 platform, it comes in two powertrain flavours: the DM-i (200kW FWD) and the range-topping DM-p (341kW AWD). The latter is a performance beast, hitting 0–100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds — faster than many luxury rivals. Beyond performance, the Sealion 8 also delivers serious comfort, offering heated, cooled, and even massaging seats (on DM-p), a dramatic exterior, full-width LED lighting, and BYD’s latest ADAS suite for next-gen safety.

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ABOVE: Stephen Collins and new BYD models

Meanwhile, arriving late 2025, the Atto 2 is a small, all-electric SUV that aims to shake up the urban EV scene. Riding on the e-Platform 3.0, it features a 130kW motor, 51.13kWh Blade battery, and elegant, coupe-inspired styling penned by design chief Wolfgang Egger. Inside, the Atto 2 is packed with thoughtful features like rotating infotainment screens, NFC key cards, panoramic sunroof, and a suite of safety tech that includes ADAS, reversing or 360° cameras, and adaptive cruise.

“The Sealion 8 and Atto 2 represent the next evolution of BYD’s strategy in Australia,” said Wing You, General Manager of BYD Australia. “With a bolstered executive team and an exciting product pipeline, we’re ready to exceed expectations across performance, technology, and value.”

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