“BYD’s Fusion of Past and Future: A Journey into Electric Mobility and Cultural Heritage”

Yubin Ma
Marketing in the Age of Digital
4 min readSep 25, 2023

Against the backdrop of a mature global automobile industry, the most famous cars in the world often come from countries such as Germany, Japan, and the United States. When I was a kid, I often asked my dad why we rarely see cars produced in our own country on the road. My dad always doesn’t know how to answer my questions. He can only tell me that Chinese automobile companies started many years later than developed countries, so it takes a while to witness. However, with the rise of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, China’s automobile industry has been provided with an opportunity to overtake a corner. On the streets of China in recent years, I can see about 40% of green license plates (Chinese electric vehicles use green plates) on the road. They are often Tesla and a large number of domestic brands, the best of which is BYD, and I want to share the brands here today. BYD, or “Build Your Dreams”, is more than just a brand name; it’s a mission statement. Born in Shenzhen, China, this company started with humble beginnings as a rechargeable battery factory. Today, it stands as a testament to innovation, leading the charge in the electric vehicle revolution.

An in-depth exploration of BYD’s brand story: the fusion of ancient empire and modern technology

As I delved deeper into the story behind their brand, I discovered a wonderful blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. Most of BYD’s models are named after dynasties in Chinese history, such as the Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty, Qin Dynasty, and Han Dynasty. And when car companies all use English as their unified language, BYD puts the names of these dynasties in Chinese on its cars.

Qin(秦): Walking down the street, you may see BYD’s “Qin” series of cars. Not only is this car a high-performance hybrid, but its name is closely linked to China’s Qin Dynasty. The Qin Dynasty was the first unified empire in the history of Chinese civilization and represented unity and strength. BYD’s “Qin” is just like the Qin Dynasty, perfectly combining innovation and leadership, demonstrating its leading position in the field of electric vehicles.

Han(汉): Spotting a BYD “Han” on the road is like glimpsing a page from the annals of China’s rich history. The Han Dynasty, spanning four centuries, was one of China’s longest-lasting and most influential empires. “Han” is one of BYD’s flagship models. It represents BYD’s international positioning and high-end appeal. As BYD’s premium electric sedan, “Han” also showcases the brilliance of the Chinese automobile industry to the world.”

BYD’s naming strategy is not just a simple market strategy, but also a tribute to China’s profound cultural traditions. Through these names related to ancient history, BYD demonstrates its firm cultural confidence and pursuit of an innovative future. This makes me respect the brand even more and look forward to its future development. It also helped my father answer the questions I once asked him as a child more than ten years later.

The Power of Storytelling in Modern Digital Marketing: Where Future and History Intersect

In today’s highly digitalized market environment, BYD is not just an automobile manufacturer; it’s a storyteller. Through its unique digital marketing strategy, BYD has successfully blended ancient Chinese dynasties with modern technology, offering consumers a profound brand experience.

Using social media platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, and TikTok, BYD shares the stories behind the names of its cars. Through short videos, interactive content, and AR experiences, they provide consumers with an opportunity to delve deep into dynasties like the Qin and Tang while showcasing the modern technological features of their vehicles. These narratives not only strengthen consumer brand loyalty but also boost online visibility through sharing and commenting features.

BYD’s official website also incorporates this fusion of ancient and modern. While browsing through their car lineup, consumers can explore the historical stories associated with each model, in addition to technical specifications and design features, providing them with a comprehensive digital experience.

In the highly competitive automotive industry, this approach sets BYD apart as more than just a car manufacturer; it’s a brand that weaves the tapestry of history into the fabric of modernity, creating a unique and captivating narrative that resonates with consumers. As digital marketing continues to evolve, BYD’s ability to intertwine past and present in its storytelling sets a powerful example for brands seeking to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

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