In 2005, the BYD F3 was launched in the Chinese domestic market and quickly gained traction, becoming a landmark model in the rise of China's independent automobile brands. However, the historical significance of the F3 extends far beyond China's borders—it was a critical step in BYD's transformation from a battery manufacturer into a full-fledged automotive OEM.
From a B2B Battery Supplier to a C-End Vehicle Brand
BYD was founded in 1995, starting out as a manufacturer of mobile phone batteries. By 2003, it had already become the world's second-largest producer of rechargeable batteries.
In the same year, BYD acquired Xi'an Qinchuan Auto and officially obtained its passenger vehicle production qualification. This move was widely viewed with skepticism by the capital markets and investors, and the company's share price took a significant hit at the time.
Following the acquisition, BYD needed a volume model that could prove its commitment to vehicle manufacturing was serious—not a side project. The F3 was the answer.
The F3 allowed BYD to establish a solid foothold in the fuel-powered vehicle era, building out a complete set of capabilities across vehicle R&D, supply chain, production, and sales channels.
Without the success of the F3, BYD would have struggled to find the resources and confidence to launch the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle—the F3DM—in 2008. Though it was based on the F3 platform, the F3DM marked the beginning of BYD's journey into new energy vehicles.
From the F3 (fuel-powered) to the F3DM, and then to models like the Qin, Tang, Han, and Seal—spanning both BEV and hybrid lineups—the F3 stands as the starting point of the entire chain.
I. BYD F3 Export Sales Data
| Year | Complete Vehicle Export (Units) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 9,300 | Peak year for overseas F3 sales |
| 2018 | 7,272 | Down 21.8% year-on-year |
| 2019 | 7,600 | Up 4.5% year-on-year |
| 2020 | 1,332 | Sharp decline; overseas market gradually transitioning to local CKD assembly |
| 2021 | <500 | Essentially no further complete vehicle exports |
In 2007, BYD exported a total of 6,635 passenger vehicles, the vast majority of which were F3 units. By around 2021, cumulative global sales of the F3—including both complete vehicles and CKD (completely knocked down) kits—had reached an estimated 130,000 to 160,000 units.
Overseas CKD Assembly
Egypt (AL-AMAL): Signed a cooperation agreement in 2005. The F3 CKD production line officially went into operation in December 2009, with an initial planned annual capacity of 10,000 units. F3s assembled locally became a mainstay of the Cairo taxi fleet. Local assembly activities began in 2006. Cumulative assembly volumes have reached tens of thousands of units.
Russia (TagAZ): The first F3 rolled off the line in 2010, and CKD assembly was announced. The cooperation was later terminated.
Iran (Karmania): Small batch CKD assembly took place in 2017–2018.
Key Markets for the BYD F3
Middle East: Iraq, Syria, UAE. In 2012, Iraq placed a single order of 2,550 units covering both the F3 and F0.
North Africa: Egypt, Algeria. The F3 remains widely used as a taxi in Egypt, with high vehicle numbers still in operation.
Russia and Ukraine: In 2007 alone, Russia imported over 3,000 F3 units.
Southeast Asia: Malaysia. An early agreement targeted 3,000 units per year (combined F3 and Flyer).
II. Export-Spec F3
The export-spec BYD F3 was not a direct copy of the domestic version. Instead, it was adapted to the purchasing power, road conditions, and usage scenarios of target markets through practical, cost effective adjustments:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Steering Configuration | Primarily Left-Hand Drive (LHD), with Right-Hand Drive (RHD) versions available in select markets |
| Transmission | Early models primarily equipped with 5-speed manual; automatic variants introduced in later years for certain markets |
| Engine | 1.5L / 1.6L gasoline engines – proven reliability and low maintenance costs |
| Equipment Level | Basic configuration: dual airbags, ABS, air conditioning, radio, etc. All non-essential costs were eliminated. |
| Price Range | New export vehicles approximately $8,000 – $8,500; used export pricing significantly lower |
| Application Scenarios | Taxis, ride-hailing services, fleet vehicles |
Implications for the Aftermarket: The F3's electronic systems are relatively simple. Failures are primarily concentrated in mechanical components—chassis, steering, and suspension.
BYD Overseas Models (2021–2026)
| Vehicle Category | Model Name (Overseas Market Name) | Key Overseas Markets / Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| BEV Sedan / Hatchback | Dolphin | Brazil, Thailand, Australia, Europe, etc. |
| Seal (Sedan) | Indonesia and other Southeast Asian markets. | |
| BEV SUV | ATTO 3 (known as Yuan Plus in China) | Thailand, Australia, Europe, Israel, Singapore, and other core global markets. |
| ATTO 2 (known as Yuan Up in China) | Global markets. | |
| Tang EV | Norway, Chile, Jordan, Mexico, Brazil, UK, etc. | |
| PHEV SUV | Sealion 6 or Seal U DM‑i (known as Song Plus DM‑i in China) | Primarily sold in Brazil, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other regions. |
| New Energy Pickup | SHARK | — |
III. BYD Dolphin Mini – Brazil Market
In February 2026, the BYD Dolphin Mini topped Brazil's automotive retail sales chart. According to official data from the National Federation of Motor Vehicle Distribution (Fenabrave), the Dolphin Mini ranked first in Brazil's monthly retail vehicle sales in February 2026, with 4,094 units sold (excluding direct sales or fleet purchases). This achievement made it:
The first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) in Brazilian history to reach No.1 on the monthly retail sales chart.
BYD confirmed in an official statement on its Brazil website that cumulative sales of the Dolphin Mini have surpassed 62,000 units since its launch. The model was officially introduced in Brazil in February 2024, with a starting price of R$ 119,990.
NewsReferencepage:www.br-cn.com/static/content/news/br_news/2026-03-03/1478520283765567488.html
IV. BYD Full Vehicle Line Aftermarket Parts: A Case Study of the F3 Steering Gear
Taking the F3 steering system (steering gear) as an example, the following are the interchangeable OE codes commonly used in the aftermarket:
| OE Number | Description |
|---|---|
| F3-3401090 | Hydraulic power steering rack assembly – the most common OEM number |
| F3M-3411010 | Hydraulic power steering rack assembly – most widely used in the aftermarket and export trade |
| BYDF3-3411010 | BYD F3-specific steering gear assembly |
| T24-3411010 | Additional OEM number |
| 1064001566 | OEM replacement number |
| LK-3401010 | Lifan / BYD common-use number |
In certain markets, the BYD F3 steering gear is fully interchangeable with the following OEM numbers can also be installed directly:
44200-12760,44250-12760,44240-02050
Click the link below for more steering gear details:
V. About A1 AUTO PARTS CONNECTION
If you are looking for a reliable supply source for chassis, suspension, and steering components for the BYD F3, as well as BYD Dolphin, Seal (Sedan), ATTO 3, Tang EV, and Sealion 6, A1 AUTO PARTS CONNECTION is a trusted partner you can count on.
Positioning Strategy
Among the top 3 suppliers of steering gears for BYD F3 and Dolphin Mini in South China
Dedicated to serving auto parts retailers with support for small-batch, high-frequency orders and fast dispatch
Full coverage of all major F3 OE numbers – including the widely used F3-3401090 and F3M-3411010 steering rack assemblies
Also supplying interchangeable alternatives (44200-12760 series, etc.) to offer customers a broader range of price options
Strategic Supply Chain Niche
In-Stock Inventory: Regularly stocked with high-turnover F3 parts including shock absorbers, steering racks, and suspension arms, reducing your lead times.
Flexible Order Quantities: Understanding retailer inventory constraints, we support small-batch, frequent-purchase orders.
Export Trade Support: Servicing parts export needs for key overseas F3 markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
All our products come with a 6-12month warranty.
A1 AUTO PARTS CONNECTION is committed to keeping every overseas F3 repairable, serviceable, and roadworthy for years to come.