Meanwhile, BYD (BYDDF) is racing ahead, posting a staggering 90.4% jump in sales last month by aggressively pricing its smart EVs and hybrids to dominate the world's largest auto market.

Eagers has a joint venture with BYD, one of China’s biggest carmakers and one that sells popular hybrid vehicles. Consumers are increasingly opting for cars that run on petrol but have a modest ...