JKCG Secures Release of Detained BYD EVs via Court Agreement 🚗

John Keells CG Auto (JKCG) has provided an update on the detention of BYD electric vehicles by Sri Lanka Customs, following proceedings in the Court of Appeal: • Positive Outcome: Sri Lanka Customs agreed in Court (Nov 11, 2025) to release the currently detained 631 electric vehicles, which include BYD ATTO 1 and ATTO 2 models. • Release Terms: The vehicles will be released under agreed guarantee terms (Corporate and Bank Guarantees offered by JKCG) to cover the difference in alleged additional duties due. • Legal Context: This resolution follows two further Writ Applications filed by JKCG (Sept/Oct 2025) challenging the continued detention of the vehicles. • Ongoing Technical Dispute: JKCG reiterates that the globally accepted norm is to rely on the Manufacturer’s Certificate for vehicle clearance. The dispute centers on verifying the motor power of the electric vehicles. • Verification Status: JKCG offered to provide technical equipment and made available a Vehicle Diagnostics Service (VDS) on Nov 6, 2025, but Customs did not conduct the testing on that date. Customs will notify the Court of the next steps regarding the testing. • JKCG is committed to fulfilling its obligations to customers following the release.