Exclusive Interview with the General Manager of BYD Iraq

BYD’s Position in the Iraqi Market

iQ Cars: With growing competition from both Chinese and Japanese brands, how do you assess BYD’s current positioning in Iraq’s automotive market, and what are your key priorities for 2025?

Omar Bayati: BYD is positioned to become one of the top five automotive brands globally, driven by the right strategy and, most importantly, the right technology. From our perspective, BYD’s technological leadership places it ahead of competitors, as no other brand currently offers the same depth of in-house innovation. This is why we believe BYD will maintain — and strengthen — its leading position in the market.

Strategic Insights from BYD Headquarters in China

iQ Cars: During your recent visit to China, what key strategic directions were discussed with BYD’s headquarters, particularly around product lineup and after-sales development for Iraq?

Omar Bayati: Visiting BYD’s headquarters significantly strengthened our confidence in the brand. With more than 120,000 engineers dedicated to research and development, BYD’s scale and technological capability are exceptional. We confirmed plans to introduce around 15 models to the Iraqi market, supported by strong after-sales services, GCC-spec vehicles, and comprehensive warranties designed to meet the expectations of different customer segments.

iQ Cars as a Digital Marketplace Partner

iQ Cars: How do you see platforms like iQ Cars contributing to BYD’s digital growth and lead generation across Iraq?

Omar Bayati: BYD is fundamentally a technology-driven company, so digital platforms are essential to our growth. Our partnership with iQ Cars has proven successful, delivering real results and reinforcing digital engagement as a core pillar of our market strategy — especially when it comes to nationwide reach and qualified demand.

The Future of Electric Mobility in Iraq

iQ Cars: What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for EV and hybrid adoption in Iraq?

Omar Bayati: The growth of electric vehicles depends heavily on infrastructure. Adoption will continue, but large-scale growth requires a reliable charging network. We are already working closely with the Iraqi government to support infrastructure development, including fast-charging solutions. BYD’s flash-charging technology, capable of adding up to 400 km of range in just five minutes, could be a game changer — particularly for inter-governorate travel.

Global Alignment and Leadership Vision

iQ Cars: From your discussions with BYD’s VP, Stella, how does BYD’s global leadership view the Iraqi market?

Omar Bayati: Stella is very selective when entering new markets. Her involvement ensures that every market aligns with BYD’s global standards — from branding and operations to customer experience. This alignment allows BYD to expand efficiently while maintaining consistency and quality across dealerships worldwide.

Closing Perspective

BYD’s strategy in Iraq reflects a long-term commitment to technology, infrastructure, and digital partnerships. As electric mobility gains momentum, collaboration between manufacturers, marketplaces, and policymakers will play a critical role in shaping the future of transportation in Iraq.

Find all BYD cars on www.iqcars.net