BYD Enters Iraq Market, Launches PHEV Pickup Shark 6

BYD plans to initially introduce eight models in Iraq, including four PHEVs and four BEVs.

BYD announced on December 18 that it has officially entered the Iraqi market, holding a brand launch event in Baghdad where it unveiled the plug-in hybrid pickup BYD Shark 6 for the first time locally.

At the launch event, Huang Zhixue, General Manager of BYD’s Middle East and Africa Automotive Sales Division, said the Iraqi market holds significant potential and represents a key step in BYD’s regional expansion strategy.

For Iraq, BYD plans to initially introduce eight models, including four plug-in hybrid vehicles and four battery-electric vehicles.

The diversified product lineup is intended to address a wide range of consumer needs and usage scenarios in the local market.

At the same time, BYD is advancing its ownership ecosystem, with aftersales service centers set to open progressively to support future sales growth.

As one of BYD’s priority overseas models, Shark 6 made its global debut in Mexico in May 2024, with a starting price of 969,800 Mexican pesos ($58,240). It has since entered markets including Thailand, South Africa and Australia.

The pickup measures 5,457 mm in length with a 3,260 mm wheelbase, offering a payload capacity of 835 kg and a towing capacity of 2,500 kg.

It integrates a hybrid body-on-frame architecture, a longitudinally mounted EHS electric drive system, and BYD’s CTC battery-to-chassis integration technology.

The powertrain combines a 1.5T engine with dual front and rear electric motors, delivering a combined output of 430 horsepower and peak torque exceeding 650 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.7 seconds.

The Shark 6 is equipped with BYD’s Blade Battery, providing an NEDC-rated pure electric range of 100 km and a combined range of 840 km. Fuel consumption in charge-sustaining mode is rated at 7.5 L/100 km.

The model supports 40 kW fast charging and vehicle-to-load functionality, with charging from 30% to 80% taking around 20 minutes.

In overseas markets, the BYD Shark 6 is positioned against conventional internal combustion pickups such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Notably, the model has not yet been launched in China.

In October, however, Li Yunfei, General Manager of BYD’s Brand and Public Relations Division, said the Shark pickup is “in planning and will be launched sooner or later.”

If introduced in China, Shark 6 would compete directly with new-energy pickups such as the GWM Shanhai Cannon Hi4-T.