John Keells CG Auto, the authorised distributor of Sri Lanka’s most popular NEV brand, BYD and its premium sub-brand DENZA, announced the launch of its newest Altair Showroom, marking a defining moment in the country's transition towards sustainable mobility.

Located at the Altair Building in Colombo, this is the first showroom in Sri Lanka to house both BYD and DENZA vehicles under one roof, with an in-house café enhancing the premium customer experience.

The showroom will showcase the entire premium range of NEVs including the BYD SEALION 6 and BYD SHARK 6, alongside DENZA's luxury offerings—the DENZA B5, and DENZA B8. This curated selection showcases the breadth of advanced hybrid and electrified technologies available across both brands. The showroom marks the ninth opening for BYD and the second for DENZA in under a year, as both brands continue to expand and strengthen their sales and after-sales network across the country.

The launch also signals the start of a broader technology-driven initiative aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of next-generation NEV mobility among Sri Lankan consumers. With growing interest in fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and long-term cost optimisation, the campaign positions BYD and DENZA's advanced DM Super Hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies as practical, high-performance solutions tailored to Sri Lanka's unique driving conditions.

Speaking at the opening of John Keells CG Auto CEO, Charith Panditharatne stated, "As we continue to expand our retail footprint, we recognised the parallel need to strengthen awareness and understanding of our Super Hybrid technology and the broader DM-i platform. For many Sri Lankan drivers, the transition to new energy vehicles is as much about confidence as it is access. Through this technology-led campaign, we aim to demonstrate how electric-first performance can eliminate range anxiety and prove just how great a fit these NEVS are for Sri Lankan conditions.”

Accordingly, the launch event highlighted three core innovations that set BYD and DENZA apart. DM-i Super Hybrid Technology is an electric-first plug-in hybrid system designed for the way people actually drive — prioritising battery power for daily journeys while the engine seamlessly takes over for longer trips, achieving up to 70km of pure-electric range and a combined driving range exceeding 1,000 km. In practical terms, most daily commutes can be completed on battery power alone, significantly reducing fuel costs without any compromise on performance or convenience.

The Blade Battery is recognised as one of the world's safest batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles, and forms the foundation of BYD's hybrid and electric platforms. Its breakthrough cell-to-pack design eliminates traditional battery modules, maximising space efficiency while delivering superior structural integrity, thermal management, and a longer lifespan; giving drivers long-term confidence in their vehicle.

DENZA's DMO Off-Road Platform is a dual-motor system engineered for exceptional off-road performance, powering the DENZA B5 and B8. Intelligent torque distribution delivers power precisely where it's needed across all terrain, without compromising the efficiency and refinement of a modern electrified vehicle.

The opening of the Altair Showroom represents the next step in John Keells CG Auto's long-term commitment to shaping Sri Lanka's mobility future. As BYD and DENZA continue to expand their footprint across the island and bringing world-class vehicles to the market, the company remains focused on building the awareness and trust that will drive meaningful, lasting adoption of NEV’s in Sri Lanka.

from left to right: John Keells CG Auto Chairman, Yohann De Soysa, along with John Keells CG Auto Chief Executive Officer, Charith Panditharathne, at the opening of their premium showroom at Altair

John Keells CG Auto Chief Executive Officer, Charith Panditharathne talking on their broader technology initiative to increase awareness and understanding about their Super Hybrid DM technology