BYTON, the Premium Manufacturer of Intelligent Electric Cars, chooses Hedin Automotive as Strategic Retail & Aftersales Partner for Norway and Sweden

BYTON today announced further details around the upcoming market launch in Europe in a press conference. The premium manufacturer of intelligent electric cars confirms Hedin Automotive as Strategic Retail & Aftersales Partner in Norway and Sweden. BYTON is targeted to enter the first European markets with the M-Byte in the second half of 2021.

- The BYTON M-Byte has raised enormous interest in Europe. Out of 65,000 reservations worldwide, 25,000 are in Europe alone. At the same time, we are aware that our European customers have high standards when it comes to technology, quality, safety and service. I am sure that together with our trade and service partners and the customer-friendly charging infrastructure, BYTON will convince the European Market, says Dr. Daniel Kirchert, BYTON CEO.

Market Rollout Plans for Europe

The M-Byte is targeted to enter in the first European markets by the end of 2021. Based on vehicle reservations the M-Byte will roll-out in several waves in all European countries. Representing more than 16,000 reservations, Norway is a highly prioritized market for the innovative brand. Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands make up the rest of the first wave markets.

Pre-Order Process

BYTON will open the possibility of European pre-orders in second half of 2020. This will require a fully refundable down payment of € 500 in order to hold an early position in the production. Reservation holders will have a priority timeframe for placing their pre-orders.

The BYTON M-Byte is positioned in the premium segment with a very competitive entry price of € 45,000 (excl. VAT and excl. possible government subsidies). The entry-level model with a 72 kWh battery and rear-mounted electric motor offers a peak output of 200 kW (272 hp) anda range of up to 360 kilometres or 224 miles (WLTP). The 4WD high-performance configuration of 300 kW (408 hp) - equipped with a 95 kWh battery - is designed fora possible range of 435 kilometres or 270 miles (WLTP); The 2WD version offers up to 460 kilometres or 286 miles (WLTP).

Hedin Automotive Retail and Service Partner in Norway and Sweden

Byton is going through a deliberate process to screen and observe best options for its premium Hybrid Sales Model and has decided to partner with Hedin Automotive for Norway and Sweden. Hedin started as a family business in 1985 followed by a steady growth. With more than 125 facilities in Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and Belgium, in which nearly 32 car brands are represented, the company today counts as one of the largest privately-owned automotive retailers in Europe.

A premium Hybrid Sales Model (online-to-offline) will provide a seamless customer journey, complementary sales channels and price transparency. Based on preferences, customers will be able to switch between channels while having a consistent experience.

- In Norway, EV's are the 'new normal' as more than 50% of all new cars sold are electric. And also the Swedish EV market is growing rapidly. At Hedin, we are willing to shape the mobility of the future with innovative approaches and partners. The vehicle concept which BYTON is offering, developing a smart device on wheels, is not yet seen in the market. This future-proof approach with a highly professional team was so convincing for us that we decided to partner with BYTON, says Anders Hedin, Owner and President of Hedin Group.

Stig Sæveland (CEO Hedin Automotive), Gerald Krainer (Director Go-to-Market Europe Byton), Dr. Andreas Schaaf (Chief Customer Officer Byton), Anders Hedin (Owner and CEO Hedin Group) and Marcus Essenpreis (Head of Aftersales Byton)

Continued brand focus

The BYTON retail and service business in Norway and Sweden will be managed by Hedin Automotive Norway; a wholly owned daughter company of Hedin Group. Hedin Automotive has enjoyed fantastic growth and success with premium brands in Scandinavia. The company owns Bavaria, the largest dealer group of BMW and MINI in the region, as well as GS Car Parts, Norway's largest independent supplier of BMW spare parts and accessories.

Hedin Automotive will establish a separate, fully dedicated BYTON organization in line with the company's other brands. The company will thereby continue to deliver on its strategy of working exclusively with premium partners with a strong focus on exceptional customer experience.

- Today’s announcement marks the beginning of an exciting next chapter for Hedin Automotive. BYTON's product concept is unique in the automotive industry. The strong fit between our two companies gives me the utmost confidence that we will provide future BYTON owners with a future-oriented retail and service approach exceeding their expectations. Our shared vision, strong customer-focused cultures and complementary strengths will enhance the strategic positioning and growth of both our companies, says Stig Saeveland, CEO Hedin Automotive.

BYTON Service in Norway and Sweden will leverage Hedin Automotive´s well-established network of dealerships and GS Car Part service points throughout Norway and Sweden. This will ensure customer support even in areas where BYTON may not yet be present. Hedin Automotive will also provide second to none parts logistics through GS Car Parts from day one of operation.

- Today’s announcement marks the beginning of an exciting next chapter for Hedin Automotive. BYTON's product concept is unique in the automotive industry, says Stig Saeveland, CEO Hedin Automotive.

*The M-Byte is not yet available for sale. Specifications are preliminary and may change without notice. The content herein is provided for informational purposes only.

Further information 

For further information, please visit the official BYTON Newsroom.
​Pictures: BYTON Flickr

About Hedin Automotive Norway

Hedin Automotive is a wholly owned subsidiary of Swedish I.A. Hedin Bil AB. The Company owns and operates Bavaria, one of the largest dealers of BMW and MINI in the Nordics, Hedin Performance Cars (Porsche in Norway) and GS Car Parts - Norway's largest independent supplier of spare parts and accessories for BMW. Hedin Automotive has a turnover of NOK 6 billion, employing more than 700 employees.

About Hedin Bil

I.A. Hedin Bil is one of the largest privately-owned automotive retailers in Europe, with 32 brands in the portfolio, offering full service for private and corporate customers. Financing, service and insurance are some of the components of the total offer. Hedin Bil is represented in more than 125 locations in Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and Belgium. Hedin Bil Is a part of the Anders Hedin Invest Group together with Klintberg & Way Group, Mabi Rent, Car to Go Sweden, Hedin IT and their real estate group. Anders Hedin Invest Group has a turnover of approx. 2,7 billion EUR and 4,000 employees.

About Byton

BYTON develops and builds intelligent premium electric cars for the automotive future, in which mobility is increasingly becoming a digitally networked experience.

BYTON's core team consists of leading experts from the automotive, technology and digital industries. With its central production and development facility in Nanjing, China, its design development center in Munich and its technology development center in Silicon Valley, BYTON is internationally positioned and operates globally.

The series version of the premium electric SUV BYTON M-Byte celebrated its premiere at the IAA Frankfurt in 2019. Pre-series production of the BYTON M-Byte started in the fall of 2019.