BYD’s rise as a true global automaker has been impressive with the brand gaining traction in numerous global markets while also ruffling the feathers of numerous automakers including the Detroit Big 3.

Australia in particular has become a hot selling market for its global lineup of models. But a rise this swift is often accompanied by excess inventory and for BYD, the art of storing its vehicles has caught up with it after it was busted illegally storing vehicles at a rather unusual venue.

Bring a towel because BYD is off to the waterpark

The act of storing vehicles itself may seem mundane at first glance, but it can be viewed as unsightly by locals. In the case of BYD, it was caught storing over 1,600 vehicles not at a warehouse, or a typical parking lot, but at a water park. That’s according to authorities in New South Wales who claim the company was illegally storing excess inventory at Jamberoo Action Water Park which is south of Sydney.

The water park is preparing to resume its post winter operations this week but while tourists and thrill seekers were absent during the closure, the park’s lots were slowly filling up with a host of BYD models including the Seal as well as the Sealion 6 and 7. As mentioned, it’s not unusual for automakers to store excess inventory in private lots with a Ford dealership in Metro Detroit using lot space in a strip mall to store units while its undergoing renovations.

In the case of BYD, the company attempted to do this without permission and it had no approval from the local Kiama Council before it began shipping them to the water park from Port Kembla. Specifically while the park is privately owned, the parking lot is not allowed to be used for purposes that are “not associated with the recreation facility,” according to local reports.

The property owner did submit a Developmental Action with the council in September to get permission but no approval was granted. When Council caught wind of the activity, it sent a warning to the property owner to not use the lots for vehicle storage.

It comes at a bad time

BYD’s water park antics comes as the company is facing other problems. BYD was once seen as a leader, but it’s now facing increased competition from other automakers including domestic rival GWM which actually outpaced BYD in home market sales.

In addition to the increased sales pressure, BYD is also embarking on a record recall of over 115,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in China due to safety concerns including battery fires.