BYD will expand its popular Shark 6 range to steal more sales from rival 2026 Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max

BYD is poised to step up its attack on the ute market, with a raft of possible Shark 6 expansion models under consideration.

The Chinese brand’s decision to triple the Shark 6 line-up with the new 2.0-litre Performance model and the Cab Chassis variant is only the beginning of its growth plans for the popular ute.

BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer Stephen Collins said the company is focused on expanding the appeal of the plug-in hybrid ute to potential fleet customers in the short-term, with more options on the table beyond that.

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“There's more sub-segments that are pretty obvious that we're talking to HQ about,” Collins told CarsGuide.

“So nothing I can confirm at this point, but yeah, we're certainly looking to continue to grow where it makes sense in the range. So whether that be at the top, whether it be at the bottom, whether it be certain mining-spec cars or whatever it may be, definite opportunities there. And because we're the lead market I think we have a lot of pull in what we can bring to the market.”

The addition of the Shark 6 Performance means the ute can now tow up to 3500kg, opening the market to customers who tow larger items, such as ‘grey nomad’ caravaners and other tradespeople. While the new Dynamic Cab Chassis gives the Shark 6 more appeal to tradies and fleet customers in need of a specific solution at the rear instead of the integrated tub.

Collins wouldn’t be drawn on any specific areas where the Shark 6 range could expand to, but did underline just how important growing its share of the lucrative fleet market is.

BYD Shark 6 cab chassis.

BYD Shark 6 Performance.

“I think the obvious one has been fleet. We said last night that 35 per cent is about the [industry] norm. We've been at 10, we're now at 20 [per cent]. So I think fleet is probably the obvious one where we've really been missing out, and we've established a fleet department. We work closely with our retail partners. We've probably got, in combination with our retail partners, we've probably got 25 people working on fleet. So that's the obvious one.

“I think we just appeal broadly now, and I think there's just more opportunity as the car's only been in the market for 14-15 months. We've quickly gained, I think, a strong reputation getting on the shopping list. And I think now we're just getting on the shopping list of more tradies, grey nomads, families who just want to go camping, sparkies, just all of the above. And I think this just widens the appeal.”

One likely option would be installing the new 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Cab Chassis, which would allow it to tow up to 3500kg, instead of the current 2500kg. Collins wouldn’t confirm such a variant was locked in, but did say it was “on the radar” for the brand.