HANOI (Reuters) - Chinese electric carmaker BYD will introduce three more models to the Vietnamese market this October and plans to expand its dealerships to 100 in 2026, Chief Operations Officer of BYD Vietnam Vo Minh Luc said on Thursday.

BYD launched its first three pure electric models in Vietnam on Thursday, its latest attempt to further penetrate in Southeast Asian markets, where governments impose fewer trade barriers and tariffs.

The Shenzhen-based carmaker is selling the Dolphin, a compact hatchback, the compact crossover Atto 3, and a midsize sedan the Seal and has started taking reservations since June.

"Vietnam is the last market BYD sets foot in in the Asia-Pacific region and is an important market in this region," Luc said.

"BYD will continue to introduce three other models in October," he added.

BYD will officially open 13 retail outlets in Vietnam from Saturday. The carmaker plans to expand that to 100 in 2026, Luc said.