A NEW electric car dealership has opened in Basingstoke - creating 12 jobs and representing a significant investment. 

Snows Motor Group has opened its second dealership representing BYD, a pioneering Chinese electric motoring brand, next to its existing Peugeot dealership in Aldermaston Road South. 

All BYD models currently available in the UK – including Dolphin, Atto 3 and Seal – will be on display and available to buy. 

It is also opening a workshop and staff have been trained in EV repair and maintenance techniques. 

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BYD showroom BYD showroom (Image: Jon Reay)

David Bell, franchise manager, said: ‘‘We are delighted to announce that Snows BYD Basingstoke is now open – and we have certainly hit the ground running. We’ve been super-busy explaining the benefits of BYD cars to everyone who has come to see us during our first few weeks.’’

Although work on the dealership is largely complete, it is still awaiting a few finishing touches. But like Snows’ first BYD dealership in Southampton, it provides a warm welcome for anyone interested in finding out more about BYD cars, and electric motoring in general.

Mr Bell, who runs the site with sales specialist Oliver Davis, said: ‘‘I am sure BYD will prove very popular in the Basingstoke area. The cars are built to an excellent standard and come with so many great features, people are impressed when they find out what they’re getting for their money.

‘‘They sit right up there in terms of specification and what they offer. They are just as well equipped as higher-end products that cost a lot more – and the fit and finish is consistently good.’’

BYD showroom BYD showroom (Image: Jon Reay)

The all-electric line-up features the Dolphin, a C-segment hatchback that has a 265-mile range and can rapid-charge from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in under half an hour, the Atto 3, an SUV with a spacious interior and a range of 260 miles, and also the Seal sports saloon, which has a 354-mile range and can go from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Examples of all three are in stock at BYD Basingstoke, and lead times are counted in a few weeks, rather than months, as is the case with some manufacturers.

Mr Bell said: ‘‘We’re perfectly poised to make a success of this fantastic BYD dealership. We have a clean, modern and welcoming showroom; the cars are on display and readily available for customers."