AkzoNobel has become the global refinish partner for new energy vehicle manufacturer BYD Auto Sales Company Ltd. The company has been a recommended supplier of vehicle refinish products and services to BYD in China since 2017. The new deal means that agreement will continue, while extending the partnership to serve BYD’s body shops and approved repairer networks worldwide. Originally a battery maker, BYD now reportedly has more than 1,180,000 new energy vehicles in operation, having been ranked first in China’s electric vehicle sales for six consecutive years (2014-2019).

“We’re delighted to broaden our partnership with BYD globally, and together push ahead with our shared ambition of reducing carbon emissions,” said Patrick Bourguignon, director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “Making transport more sustainable is a major driving force behind our innovation, and BYD will benefit from a host of digital tools and cutting-edge services, as well as our class-leading vehicle refinish systems.”