Core Insights - The article highlights the pivotal role of Lian Yubo, the chief scientist of BYD, in the company's journey to becoming a leader in the electric vehicle industry, alongside founder Wang Chuanfu [2][24] - It emphasizes the innovative strategies and technological advancements that have propelled BYD to the forefront of the global automotive market, particularly in electric vehicles and battery technology [10][21] Group 1: Background and Early Development - Lian Yubo, recognized as a key figure behind Wang Chuanfu, joined BYD in 2003, bringing extensive automotive engineering experience [2][3] - The initial phase of BYD's automotive venture faced skepticism and financial losses, particularly with the acquisition of Qin Chuan Automobile [5][6] - Lian Yubo's commitment to developing a strong in-house research team was crucial, leading to the establishment of the Shanghai BYD R&D center [5][7] Group 2: Breakthroughs in Vehicle Development - BYD's first mass-produced model, the F3, launched in 2005, achieved remarkable sales success, selling over 100,000 units within a year, showcasing its competitive pricing [7][8] - The F3's design was inspired by the Toyota Corolla, but it was produced at half the cost, demonstrating BYD's innovative manufacturing approach [8][9] - Following the F3, BYD continued to release successful models, solidifying its presence in the Chinese automotive market [9] Group 3: Focus on Electric Vehicles - BYD's strategic focus shifted towards electric vehicles, with Wang Chuanfu emphasizing the importance of battery technology as the core of their electric vehicle strategy [10][11] - The establishment of the electric vehicle R&D department in 2004 marked a significant step in BYD's commitment to electric mobility [11][12] - Lian Yubo's team made significant advancements in battery technology, including the development of the IGBT, a critical component for electric vehicles [14] Group 4: Challenges and Resilience - Despite initial successes, BYD faced a decade-long stagnation in sales from 2011 to 2019, attributed to a lack of advanced technology in fuel vehicles and a nascent electric vehicle market [16][18] - During this period, BYD invested heavily in R&D, often exceeding its net profits, demonstrating a commitment to innovation despite financial pressures [18][19] - Lian Yubo's leadership during this challenging time was characterized by a focus on overcoming technical hurdles and maintaining a long-term vision for electric vehicles [18][19] Group 5: Recent Innovations and Market Success - The introduction of the "blade battery" in 2020 marked a significant innovation, enhancing energy density and safety, leading to strong market performance for BYD vehicles [19][21] - The development of the DM technology series has positioned BYD as a leader in hybrid technology, with significant improvements in fuel efficiency and performance [20][21] - BYD's sales skyrocketed from 426,900 units in 2020 to 4.27 million units in 2024, reflecting a tenfold increase in just four years, establishing it among the top five global automakers [21][22] Group 6: Recognition and Future Outlook - Lian Yubo's contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress Award and the title of National Excellent Engineer [22][24] - The article concludes by highlighting the transformation of BYD from a follower to a leader in the automotive industry, driven by innovation and a strong engineering culture [24]