BYD Admits Wheel Assembly Error On Great Tang Electric SUV

BYD has apologized for an assembly mistake affecting some units of its newly released Great Tang, also called Datang in China, electric SUV. According to Bloomberg, several owners complained that wider wheel rims meant for the rear were installed on the front, while narrower front rims were installed on the back. The Chinese electric automaker traced the problem to its Hubei-based wheel mesh assembly supplier and says it has already fixed the issue.

Supplier changes

BYD posted its apology on the social network Weibo after getting complaints from owners. It launched an investigation and traced the problem to the supplier. The supplier has also added a visual inspection mechanism on the production line, so future vehicles will no longer be affected.

Remedies for owners

BYD did not say how many vehicles were affected. It said there was no safety risk associated with the wheels being installed the wrong way. Even so, it will replace the wheel rims of those vehicles for free. It will also offer owners a replacement vehicle or compensation for what they will spend on transportation while their Great Tang SUVs are being repaired. In addition, the company will restart the vehicle's warranty period.

Model and market plans

The company unveiled the Great Tang SUV in March, with prices starting at around $40,000. It received 150,000 orders in its home country. BYD is planning to release the electric vehicle in European and Asian markets outside China by the end of this year or in early 2027.

Sources: Engadget