Chinese automaker BYD saw a dramatic 80 percent surge in vehicle registrations in August 2025, signalling a strong recovery after a temporary setback, according to CAL Research. This rebound comes as the broader Sri Lankan vehicle market experienced a modest 1.9 percent month-on-month increase, with a notable surge in three-wheeler registrations contrasting with a slight dip in car and motorcycle sales. BYD’s registrations climbed to 1,424 units in August, a significant jump from July’s 790. The top performer for the brand was the Atto model, which saw 554 registrations. This follows the resolution of a Sri Lanka Customs holdup that had caused a dip in July. The Sealion and Seal models also performed well, with 465 and 307 registrations, respectively. Total vehicle registrations in August reached 38,240, a slight increase from 37,543 in July. While the overall market showed slight growth, individual segments showed mixed results. A massive 430 percent month-on-month spike in three-wheeler registrations was a key highlight, with the segment reaching 2,497 units. Bajaj overwhelmingly dominated this category with a 92 percent market share, registering 2,286 units. In contrast, the motor car segment saw a 4 percent decline, with 6,475 registrations in August compared to 6,745 in July. Motorcycle registrations also saw a slight 2 percent decrease, totaling 27,585 units. This segment continues to be the largest, making up 72 percent of total vehicle registrations in August. Bajaj and TVS were the top performers in the two-wheeler market, with 37 percent and 25 percent market shares, respectively. In the commercial vehicle space, truck registrations totalled 918 units in August. Toyota led this segment with a 24 percent market share, followed by Lanka Ashok Leyland and Tata, each with a 13 percent share. Bus registrations for the month stood at 72, with Lanka Ashok Leyland leading the segment with a 22 percent market share.
