BYD South Africa has hailed the selection of its Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf models as finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY). The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) announced the 18 finalists in a statement on Thursday (29 January). “Having entered the South African market in mid-2023, BYD has already secured not one but two vehicles as finalists, demonstrating our brand’s strong appeal and understanding of what the local market needs,” said Steve Chang, Managing Director, BYD South Africa. BYD Dolphin Surf. SAGMJ will test the finalists in early March before revealing the 2026 SA COTY winners in the first week of May.