BYD, which showed a prototype range of forklifts at the LogiMAT show in February 2013, will be introducing a completely redesigned and European-friendly forklift range at the CeMAT show in Hannover, Germany in May, 2014.
The forklifts will go on sale in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium starting in June 2014 and will be launched in France and UK in 2015.
BYD has built a one million square metre forklift factory in China with a capacity of 50,000 units per year of various industrial forklift models. Five of these models will be launched during 2014 providing a fully competitive product offering for both the rental and the high-end forklift sectors.
The new forklifts feature safe batteries based on BYD's proprietary Fe battery technology (Lithium-iron phosphate) and related advanced charging solution. This technology allows new BYD forklifts to use only one battery assembly throughout years of service life. After eight years of double shift usage, the battery remains a minimum of 75% of its capacity.
This delivers huge potential savings for the forklift users. It is estimated to be 20%-25% lower in operating costs compared to conventional lead-acid based products plus a further Ç3-6,000 additional savings every 4 to 5 years since no additional replacement batteries are ever needed. The BYD Fe battery (Lithium-iron phosphate) typically uses 40% less electricity and is maintenance free with no memory effect.
For the dealers, there are two major advantages selling the BYD forklifts. When reselling after typical 5 years period, the refurbishment cost will be significant lower (Ç 2-4,000 less) because the battery will not need to be replaced. The maintenance cost for a rental fleet of BYD forklift is significantly lower because of no wasted time for battery maintenance.
BYD has established a parts distribution centre in Tilburg, the Netherlands, which will house an extensive stock of forklift parts to ensure a smooth, top-quality aftersales operation for the BYD forklift range.
BYD is now actively engaged in building a professional dealership network in Germany. The company is inviting interested dealer candidates to apply to join its national network of 25 planned dealers. Interested candidates should contact BYD forklifts in Rotterdam.
"For BYD, CeMAT 2014 is the beginning of a new era. We have a new range of ultra-low operating cost forklifts, which will be excellently supported in the market. We will be unveiling the new products and features to the media in April and to our customers at CeMAT 2014." said Javier Contijoch, BYD forklifts Director, BYD Europe.