A possible companion to the BYD Shark 6 ute has been caught on camera in Brazil.
A second, more SUV-like dual-cab ute from BYD continues to edge closer to production, with photos of the new ute emerging in Brazil.
With styling that appears more car-like than the traditional boxy looks of the Shark 6, the new dual-cab model could slot into BYD’s line-up as a more compact offering aimed at South American markets, where smaller, light-duty pick-ups are popular.
Initial overseas reports from CarNewsChina claimed the camouflaged model rides on a version of the Shark 6’s ladder-frame chassis.
While far from conclusive, the latest rear-angle images show high clearance bodywork along the rear overhang and raised sill panels, more typical of traditional ute body-on-frame construction than that of a passenger car or conventional SUV.
Despite the potential light commercial vehicle origins, the as-yet-unnamed ute offers clear glimpses of a more rounded front cabin than that of the Shark 6.
The C-pillar and tub also appear to be integrated into the side bodywork, rather than separated, suggesting the new ute could adopt more of a lifestyle-oriented positioning than the more traditional role filled by the Shark 6.
While a cab-chassis version of the Shark 6 is yet to be officially introduced, it’s one of the vehicles on BYD Australia’s wishlist.
Unlike Australia, which has a ute market dominated by ‘mid-size’ dual-cab utes, customers in Central and South America have a wider range of models to choose from, including unibody SUV-based vehicles such as the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Ram Rampage.
With the scope for lighter-duty utes in global markets, BYD may be looking to position its second ute as more of a crossover-like vehicle.
In Australia, the first ute to break away from the body-on-frame formula since the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore utes is the Deepal E07, an electric ute based on a Deepal SUV with a cargo bed that blurs the line between interior and exterior storage.
While Ford and Hyundai already have medium SUV-based utes in their international line-up, neither has committed to a right-hand drive version for Australia.
Prior to BYD taking control of Australian distribution, David Smitherman, CEO of EVDirect, the brand’s previous importer, told Drive, “There are more Sharks to come.
“We’ve made it really clear to BYD that this is a segment that we need to go after, and for that reason, there will be multiple options.”
While it remains to be seen how BYD will evolve its line-up in Australia, a broader range of Shark utes would align with the brand’s current strategy, with multiple vehicles occupying the same market segments in a choice of plug-in hybrid or electric powertrains.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
