By Charles Mkoka
Chinese automotive company Harmony Auto has officially launched a BYD double-cabin pick-up vehicle showroom in Tanzania, marking a major step in the country’s transition toward clean and sustainable mobility.
Speaking during the launch, Khatibu Hamis Hussein, a sales representative at the showroom, stated that the newly introduced BYD Shark 6 vehicles are equipped with advanced plug-in hybrid technology, which allows the battery to self-recharge even when fully depleted, by using fuel.
“The vehicle can run on electricity for over 100 kilometers after just two hours of charging,” Hussein explained. “For users with access to fast direct-current charging, the battery can reach full capacity in just 30 minutes. This technology is expected to arrive in Tanzania soon, with private investment already underway.”
The showroom, situated along Nyerere Road near Julius Nyerere International Airport, offers a wide range of plug-in hybrid vehicles that combine electric power and fuel engines.
Lee Ming, Branch Manager of BYD Tanzania, said the company’s expansion into Tanzania is part of a broader strategy to promote renewable energy and environmentally friendly commuting solutions across the continent.
“Currently, we operate in four African countries, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and now Tanzania,” Lee said. “We are also planning to establish a manufacturing plant in South Africa and an assembly facility here in Tanzania to better adapt our vehicles to local driving conditions.”
He added that the vehicles currently sold in Tanzania feature English-language interfaces, with Swahili language systems expected to be introduced in future models (upgrades). they are sold fully with its own charging system.
Meanwhile, the sales manager revealed that the company’s warehouse currently stocks a variety of models, including double-cabin pickup trucks such as the BYD Shark 6, Crossover cars (CUVs), Hatchback, Coupe, and SEAL 6 DM-i Touring, classified as a station wagon (estate), and other mini luxury vehicles.
BYD is globally recognized for its advanced battery technology, known for its durability and safety standards.
Among the first customers was Faraji Shemsanga from Morogoro, who purchased a Shark 6 vehicle at the launch.
“We are encouraged to use environmentally friendly vehicles powered by electricity,” Shemsanga said. “I chose this one because it assured me that I can travel up to 90 kilometers on electric power alone, and even when I use fuel, it recharges itself. This is a great option for entrepreneurs.”
Harmony Auto has been operating in Tanzania since October 2025 as the main distributor of the BYD vehicles in Tanzania, and has since begun selling a wide range of BYD vehicles across the country.
