When I realized it, two women were making selfies beside me. They were eagerly trying to find the best angle to frame me next to them.
Of course, it wasn’t because of my looks. At least, I don’t believe that to be the case.
More likely, the last thing they expected to encounter when they accepted BYD’s invitation to attend the ceremony for the unit celebrating 1,000,000 Dolphin Surf units was a group of European journalists. We were there not only to learn about the company’s innovative strides but also to cover this monumental milestone.
In its quest to become “one of the three major car manufacturers in the next five years,” BYD has put a million units of the BYD Seagull , known as the *Dolphin Surf* in Europe, on the roads. They’ve achieved this incredible feat in just 27 months , a milestone they celebrated with significant fanfare.
Join me as I travel into the heart of the BYD fever in China—a journey at times surreal, often confounding, and of course, entirely different from what we might expect from a European manufacturer.
Lost Among the Metadata of a Mobile
BYD had promised that we would tour the Xi’an factory, known as the largest vehicle production facility globally, spanning an impressive 13.3 million square meters. The sheer size felt even more pronounced with all production lines halted. “On Sundays, we don’t work,” explained the workers.
However, they also indicated that operations depend heavily on demand and market requirements. It seems in China, just like anywhere else, the market dictates the pace. In fact, according to Reuters, the company is currently experiencing a momentary *slowdown*, easing on production rates.
Regardless, I found myself in the heart of an empty factory, surrounded by the enthusiastic chants of loyal fans, as my face was captured by a folding phone from Huawei and another device from Xiaomi.
Someday, I imagine, those two women will no longer don those white shirts declaring *Super Seagull * and will perhaps question who that odd person in their pictures was.
Behind us, a few BYD Dolphin Surf units were in the spotlight for quality checks, with a sign proudly indicating we were witnessing unit 1,000,000. Just over two years ago, this vehicle didn’t even exist.
Today, a group of enthusiasts forms the backbone of a celebration that would peak in a convention hall in Xi’an.
We eventually arrived at the venue in a Dolphin Surf, experiencing its “eye of God” —the most advanced autonomous driving system, albeit limited to highways for this model.
What awaited us upon disembarking was a true celebration of brand loyalty. The entrance was lined with more than a dozen customized cars, contributed by clients eager to showcase their unique styles—back home in Spain, we’d call them “tuners”.
These cars, shaped into a cute or quirky form, featured vibrant paints and detailed vinyls, complete with the racing car aesthetic and Toyo wheels boasting painted registrations. One striking design even exhibited a pastel paint job in pink and blue—an easily questionable color combination.
Another model had dozens of Labubus , those new trendy dolls in Spain, bound to the trunk with chains, reminiscent of a peculiar fashion statement. As they went by, I realized this quirky doll had indeed gained traction in the Spanish market.
Winding through the cars, clients, and brand enthusiasts, I couldn’t help but glimpse the towering presence of influencers live-streaming the event in true Chinese streaming style, reminiscent of a few years back when they gathered under a bridge.
A Crazy Celebration
That night was a spectacle in itself. After sitting through an hour and fifteen minutes of gala, I finally made the decision to step out for a moment to use the restroom.
Having postponed the inevitable, I understood that after those extensive talks from the car’s leaders, I was in for a lengthy evening. After the second musical act , I chose to step out.
As I left, a tribute band to The Who , seemingly pulled from a parody show, took the stage for their second appearance, energizing the audience.
The influencers continued their tireless work, live-streaming from the vast hall, showcasing what appeared to be a sort of telethon for BYD accessories. I wondered how many viewers were tuned in, but surely at least one was right there with us.
Upon my return, I found the attendees enthusiastically waving colored sticks, singing and dancing to the nostalgic tunes of the 70s and 80s, while many were deeply engrossed in the small screens of their cell phones, clearly captivated by whatever was happening through their live feeds.
The lights illuminating the hall exploded into a cacophony of confetti, and in the next hour, the new and enticing commercial offer of the Dolphin Surf from BYD (priced at less than 9,000 euros) became overshadowed by just how unexpected the evening swiftly turned.
A few moments later, those who had received the 100,000, 200,000, and 300,000 Dolphin Surf units took the stage to collect their prizes. It was a moment for the audience to engage. BYD wanted to express gratitude for the warmth they received throughout the day.
And what better than a Labubu?
The Labubus sparked a frenzy as attendees vied for them with unbridled enthusiasm, dancing and creating giant heart gestures to impress the camera. After a few draws, the energy was palpable—Tsunami Labubu had taken hold of the party’s spirit.
Just when I thought the excitement couldn’t escalate further, another raffle was announced! This one was for a foldable camping set , complete with a table, chairs, and even a tent. The connection between this plethora of camping gear and an urban-centric car may be tenuous at best, but by then, I was merely hoping the stimulation could slow.
Yet, just then, the energy in the hall surged once again as renowned twins, Liuyi Wang and Qianyi Wang , champions of Olympic Synchronized Swimming , took the stage. Their arrival marked the grand finale, and just as the attendees began to show signs of fatigue, the party raged on.
In that moment, our favorite tribute band returned to play one last set. As the event ticked past two and a half hours, the pseudo-Berto Romero, now with a microphone, bid us farewell.
With a weary smile, I expressed my gratitude for the night. I felt like an astronaut returning from a Martian expedition, somewhat bewildered by the vibrant festivities around me.
But of course, the only one feeling out of place was me. Without colored sticks in hand or aspirations of winning a tent I wouldn’t use, I stood there, absorbing the whirlwind of a night filled with chaos, celebration, and a touch of surrealism.
Photos | Xataka
In Xataka | BYD has decided to significantly reduce the pricing of electric vehicles, a strategy already impacting the company’s market value.