The battle for the pickup truck market intensifies

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The pickup truck market is one of the more active segments in the automotive industry. Trucks are used as workhorses and lifestyle vehicles for recreation and adventures.

Toyota Motor Philippines has led the market for many years with its Hilux Conquest, followed by the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, Foton Thunder and the midsize Tunland. Then there are other players such as the JMC Jim, GWM Cannon, and for a while, we had the Ssangyong Musso from Korea and the Maxus T60 from China. Dongfeng also introduced the full EV pickup, Rich 6, not too long ago and counts among its users, an electric company and a tollway operator.

The grand launch of the new BYD Shark 6 DMO at the ASEANA Open Grounds in Paranaque City just a few days ago further intensifies the battle for the pickup segment.

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The new BYD Shark 6 DMO.

A groundbreaking entry into the Philippine pickup truck market, this addition to BYD’s cutting-edge lineup promises to change the game for Filipino drivers.

Designed to meet the needs of adventure seekers and those who demand rugged capability and modern technology, the BYD Shark 6 DMO delivers an electrified experience that combines power, efficiency, and versatility. Available in two variants—Advanced and Premium—the BYD Shark 6 DMO is a pickup truck that offers performance, efficiency and technology.

“With the launch of the BYD Shark 6 DMO, we are not just introducing a groundbreaking vehicle to the Philippine market but also taking a step toward a transformative and tech-forward future. This model blends electrified performance and rugged design, making it the perfect blend of adventure and resilience,” says Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines.

At the heart of the BYD Shark 6 DMO is its revolutionary Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) technology, which gives the truck an unparalleled blend of power, driving refinement, and efficiency. This technology allows the Shark 6 DMO to switch between electric and fuel power modes to adapt to any driving condition.

Powered by a 29.6kWh BYD Blade battery and a 1.5T onboard generator, dual electric motors help the Shark 6 DMO produce an impressive combined output of 435 PS and 650 Nm of torque—making it one of the most powerful pickups in its class.

“At BYD, we are dedicated to driving the future of mobility in the Philippines. The Shark 6 DMO is just the beginning of an exciting year as we continue to introduce groundbreaking products to the market. With our focus on cutting-edge, eco-friendly technology, we’re confident that these next-generation vehicles will redefine the driving experience and elevate the standards of the Philippine automotive industry,” said Aiffy Liu, Country Head of BYD Philippines.

Built upon the Cell-to-Chassis framework, the Shark 6 DMO uses the proprietary Blade Battery as an integral part of the vehicle’s ladder frame and safety structure. This enhances the Shark 6 DMO’s rigidity and safety.

Designed for rough terrain and cityscapes, the electrified “lifestyle” pickup boasts a 230 mm ground clearance and a 700 mm wading depth, allowing it to traverse challenging landscapes with ease, from uneven off-road paths to flooded streets. This functionality, combined with robust materials, positions it as a flexible vehicle ready for any journey.

The BYD Shark 6 DMO has a payload capacity of 835 kg and a towing capacity of 2,500 kg.

The Shark 6 DMO is equipped with front and rear double wishbone suspension, a combination not normally found in pickups. This provides a smoother riding experience whether on straights or corners, on and off the road.

The Shark 6 DMO also offers three drive modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – and multi-terrain modes like Sand and Mud, to adapt to various driving conditions and preferences.

Inside the pickup is a cabin that blends premium materials with a minimalist design, leather seats accentuated by striking orange highlights. Comfort is prioritized with a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat and 4-way lumbar support in the Premium model, allowing for a customized driving position. Seat heating and ventilation for the two front seats are standard in the Premium trim.

Another comfort feature is the ear seatback, the backseat reclined by 27 degrees. Along with the cabin’s expansive knee room, this seating configuration ensures a more relaxing posture for rear passengers over long drives.

The BYD Shark 6 DMO comes equipped with standard safety features, including Cruise Control, a 360-degree View Camera, Front and Rear Sensors, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent System and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The Premium variant elevates safety further with Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and a Heads-Up Display, ensuring peace of mind for every driver.

“The BYD Shark 6 DMO is set to be another game changer for BYD in the Philippines, pioneering the electrified pickup truck segment with its blend of advanced technology and off-road capabilities. Built to conquer challenging terrain while providing refined everyday comfort, it’s redefining what a pickup truck can do and setting a new standard in the segment,” Bob Palanca says.

The BYD pickup starts at a price of P2,098,000 for the Advanced variant and P2,298,000 for the Premium variant. Discounts are being offered to first-time BYD customers and current BYD owners until the end of March.

It will also be offered in three color options: Deep Sea Blue, Cosmos Black, and Aurora White. The Shark 6 DMO comes with a warranty coverage of 8 years or 160,000 km warranty for the BYD Blade battery, an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty for the drive unit, and a 6-year or 150,000 km warranty for the vehicle.

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The Shark 6 DMO has a combined driving range of over 800 kilometers on a full tank and charge. In a recent fuel economy run conducted by the Automobile Association Philippines, the truck yielded more than 1,100 kilometers in a drive going to the Ilocos region and back.

With its price exceeding P2 million, we see the BYD Shark 6 DMO competing more in the premium segment of other brands. Toyota’s Hilux sells for P2,184,000; the Ford Raptor, P2,754,000; the Isuzu 3.0 4×4 AT, P1,995,000; Nissan Navara Pro 4×4, P1,870,000; Mazda BT-50, P1,858,000; Mitsubishi Triton, P1,909,000 and the Foton Tunland V9, P1,998,000.

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