John Clark Motor Group - John Clark BYD Inverness Avis 

A couple of weeks ago I popped in to meet Andrew Grant, manager at John Clark BYD Inverness in order to arrange a test drive in the top of the range all-electric car.

Last week Thomas Fleming, Trainee Sales Executive, took me out for about 40 minutes, along the A9 and other A and B roads. Thomas, 23, a consummate driver, demonstrated this phenomenon.

The impressive history of BYD (Build Your Dream) started when the founder, Wang Chuanfu, declared to the world he was no longer satisfied working in his company manufacturing mobile phone batteries.

He founded the electric vehicle company in 1995 in Schenzen.

As so often with any clear-visioned, committed entrepreneur, his plans met with derision from the global car industry.

Within two years, this multi-dollar billionaire had competitors worldwide running scared with his innovative battery design.

One huge strategic advantage was vertical integration. Gigantic factories throughout China provide 100% of all components, services and design expertise. Highly advanced AI and robotics ensure the ultra-precision to manufacture the batteries and all vehicle components.

No heavy batteries. Lightweight, they form the chassis itself, instead of the hugely heavy, highly flammable ones in Teslas etc. Distance between charges is greatly increased and charging takes minutes.

Distribution presented a massive problem especially after Covid. Too many manufacurers chasing aging ships not being replaced.

Within 6-to-12 months a fleet of electric BYD cargo ships were in service. To overcome empty return loads the height of the 4 levels be could be raised or lowered for fleets of cars and tractors, earth movers etc. Instead of having 100,000s of vehicles standing by wasting time and money, thousands of drivers were precisely positioning vehicles saving space. They ran or were BYD coached farther afield to repeat the process.

BYD has solved the insoluble manufacturing 100,000s of 40 tonne trucks, lorries, tractors. No more 8 tonne batteries.

Wang Chuanfu, a genius...

I've had my new BYD Dolphin Surf for a couple of months now and it's been brilliant. From the first phone call and test drive, through the purchase and collection, and then afterwards helping me out with a button I couldn't find - Thomas and the team in Inverness have been excellent. They have been knowledgeable, efficient, responsive and (importantly for me) didn't hassle me or do a hard sale. I've bought a fair few cars over the years and I can honestly say it's the best sales experience I've ever had. Love the car too! Big thanks to everyone in Inverness, I would definitely buy another BYD from them in future.

An uplifting and stress free experience in replacing my car.
Craig Spooner was very professional and made me feel at ease. He was so helpful in explaining how the car worked, took me out for a drive and explained the purchase of my new car so well. He was brilliant!
Any questions were immediately.