Car blogs

Chinese automaker BYD is planning to have plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles on sale in the United States by 2010, with similar ambitions for the European market, according to Motor Authority.


The plan is backed by a $230 million investment from a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, an American insurance and investment company. It's chief executive, chairman and largest shareholder is Warren Buffett, one of the richest men on Earth.


The company is "talking to some third-party consulting and engineering companies to get a thorough understanding of the safety standards" in the U.S., which will be integral in the vehicle's success into breaking into that market, the publication reported, citing BYD's general manager for exports.


While its American ambitions may be bold, BYD is still in the early stages of development; the company does not currently sell a hybrid in its home market or anywhere else.


BYD has not yet confirmed which model or models will be getting the hybrid powertrain, but the F3 sedan (pictured) -- BYD's best-selling model -- is the most likely candidate.


As we reported earlier this month, BYD, a company best-known for making cellphone batteries, reportedly is on the verge of launching China's first mass-produced plug-in battery-electric car.

Tags: BYD, China, Fuel Economy, Hybrid, Plug-ins and Electric, BYD, Electric Car, F3, Hybrid, Plug-In Electric, Warren Buffett

---

China's BYD, Bolstered by Berkshire Hathaway, to Sell Plug-In Hybrid in U.S. by 2010 was originally published by Green Car Advisor. Read the full story by clicking here.