An FYI on BYD, Soon To Be A BMOC.

On top of my post introducing you to the Chinese-made Geely brand, here's another contender for your auto-buying dollars in the decades ahead -- BYD. They've adopted the same approach that Geely has, which is to closely examine the best Japanese vehicles and take them as their role models.

Speaking of models, BYD makes a complete line of cars, from Yaris-style sub-sub compacts to SUV's to a dead ringer for the last-generation Mercedes SL sport coupe.

What makes BYD stand out, however, is their corporate background. BYD is an electronics maker, first and foremost. They build cell phones, for Godssakes. Think about how important electronics are to cars these days, and it makes as much sense as a certain Mr. Honda did some sixty years ago, when he decided his company would focus on engines for any use, not just building small motorcycles.

BYD already has a fully electric car in production. Check their website:

http://www.byd.com/showroom.php?car=f8

They're gonna have to change their name, though. I read "BYD" and I think either "BVD,""DVD," or "BYOB". OK?