Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has taken another big step in Latin America, as the company unveiled its first Brazil-made passenger vehicle from its factory in Bahia state on Tuesday, marking a new milestone in its global expansion.
For now, the company's vehicles still arrive mostly assembled from China and are finished in Brazil. But BYD says the plan is to steadily increase local production and parts sourcing over time.
"We are working closely with the local authorities and industry to help them update technologies. And we are in the process to qualify more than 150 local vendors to be our suppliers," said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD.
The governor of Bahia says he hopes this investment will help modernize his state and bring opportunities to its people.
"The expectation is that we'll create in Bahia an environment of science, technology and innovation - and prepare our workforce for that," said Jeronimo Rodrigues, Bahia State Governor.
"This is very significant. It's a milestone in the strong relations that Brazil has been building with China and with Chinese business," said Daniel Almeida, President of Brazil-China Parliamentary Group.
The new assembly line started with the Dolphin Mini -- BYD's best-selling urban EV -- but will soon expand to include the Song Pro and BYD King. The company says all three models will move into commercial production in the coming weeks.
Brazil is a key market in BYD's plans for global expansion, but the new plant the Chinese company is opening in Eastern Brazil is designed to do more than serve local customers. The strategic goal is to transform Brazil into a hub for exporting electric vehicles throughout Latin America.
BYD's President in Brazil says the company is adapting its strategy to local and regional needs.
"So we will produce vehicles here to export to other countries. And some models will (be) special-designed here in Bahia, to cover special segments, for example, the pickup market," said Tyler Li, President of BYD Brazil.
Construction began in March 2024 after BYD acquired a site once used by U.S. automaker Ford. The plant launched with capacity to make 150,000 vehicles per year, with plans to double that in a second phase.
"It's very important to have local production which can compete in Brazilian market which have a big volume, and this facility will deliver this volume with competitive prices to be sold," said Henrique Antunes, Sales Director of BYD Brazil.
BYD holds ceremony marking its first Brazil-made passenger vehicle
BYD holds ceremony marking its first Brazil-made passenger vehicle
