Chinese EV startup BYTON saw its first pre-production prototype of the M-Byte SUV roll off the production line at its Nanjing plant on October 23, according to a posting on the social media platform of Dr. Daniel Kirchert, the startup’s co-founder and current CEO, signaling the concept's “ready-for-mass-production” stage.
At the same time, Dr. Daniel Kirchert released several photos of the newly-built vehicle, from which we can observe its resemblance to the previously-launched M-Byte Concept in crucial design language, while some nuances still exist.
Ding Qingfen, who is charge of BYTON's public relations and government affairs, revealed that part of components was transported by some employees personally from their business trips and was afterwards assembled at the Nanjing plant.
As BYTON's first model to go into series production, the battery-powered M-Byte was unveiled at the IAA Frankfurt 2019. The 48-inch curved display—maybe the most eye-catching point for the vehicle—is the world's largest display in a production car, said the startup.
BYTON also stated then it expected to deliver the first BYTON M-Byte SUV to Chinese consumers in the middle of 2020 after the kick-off of volume production, and to begin receiving pre-orders in Europe and North America in 2020.
In addition, BYTON was about to close its C-round fundraising, which would obtain an estimated $500 million for the startup, the EV maker added. Investors included FAW Group and the Nanjing municipal government.
The company also said at the IAA the M-Byte had already got over 50,000 reservations worldwide. The premium vehicle would be priced from €45,000 excluding VAT, but terminal prices may be different across regions due to respective governmental EV subsidies.
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