Chinese electric-vehicle maker BYD rolled out its first car from a new plant in Camaçari, Bahia, on 1 July, inaugurating what it says is the first factory operated by a Chinese automaker in Brazil. The facility, erected in just 15 months on the site of a former Ford plant, represents an investment of roughly 5.5 billion reais (about US$1 billion).
The complex comprises 26 warehouses and a test track and opens with an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles assembled from semi-knocked-down kits. Output begins with the Dolphin Mini battery-electric hatchback—known as Seagull in some export markets—and will later add the plug-in-hybrid Song Pro and King sedan. BYD plans to double capacity to 300,000 units in a second phase and aims to produce about 50,000 vehicles this year for Brazil and neighbouring countries.
More than 1,000 employees are already working at the plant, and the company projects up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs as localisation of parts increases over the next 12 months. BYD also intends to build an R&D centre on the 4.6-million-square-metre campus and has approved 100-plus Brazilian suppliers, starting with tyre maker Continental.
Construction was briefly halted in late 2024 after labour inspectors alleged subcontractors housed foreign workers in degrading conditions. BYD has since appointed a Brazilian construction firm to finish the site and says it maintains an "non-negotiable" commitment to human-rights standards. Local production should help the company shield its fast-growing Brazilian sales from import tariffs on electrified vehicles that rise to 25 percent this month, ahead of rival Chinese brands still scouting factory locations.
Here’s the news making headlines in and around China: • First car rolls off assembly line at BYD factory in Brazil
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