Chinese OEM to invest $ 620 million in three factories to build chassis for electric buses and trucks, passenger cars and battery materials; slated to begin operations in second-half 2024
06 Jul 2023 | 10406 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is expanding its manufacturing footprint to the emerging market of Brazil, which is the largest in South America. The world’s largest EV maker has confirmed an agreement to begin manufacturing EVs in Bahia, Brazil and start operations in three factories simultaneously in the Camacari complex, ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is expanding its manufacturing footprint to the emerging market of Brazil, which is the largest in South America. The world’s largest EV maker has confirmed an agreement to begin manufacturing EVs in Bahia, Brazil and start operations in three factories simultaneously in the Camacari complex, 50km from Salvador.
The complex will consist of three manufacturing units. While one will be dedicated to the production of chassis for electric buses and trucks, the other will produce hybrid and electric automobiles, with an estimated capacity of 150,000 units per year in the first phase. The third unit, focused on lithium and iron phosphate processing, will serve the global market, utilising the existing port infrastructure at the location.
BYD's new complex will attract suppliers of various types, whether in the technical parts or services sectors. The company intends to contribute to regional development by giving priority to local suppliers.
“This is an extremely important moment for BYD in the Americas,” said Stella Li, executive vice-president CEO of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas. “These new factories in Bahia will bring innovation and the highest standards in technology, this will allow the introduction and acceleration of electromobility in the country, a key movement to combat climate change and really improve people's quality of life.”
Scheduled to start operations in the second half of 2024, the three factories are expected to generate more than 5.000 jobs over the coming years. “The social contribution will be significant. We want to hire local labor starting this year so that they can begin receiving all the necessary training and knowledge transfer,” said Tyler Li, President of BYD Brazil. “At BYD, we are strongly committed to contributing and generating value for Brazilians.”
Image: BYD Brazil
ALSO READ: Volkswagen to invest a billion euros in South America, plots 15-model offensive