A introduced its first cars produced in Brazil this Tuesday (1st), at the factory in Camaçari (BA). The operation begins in SKD (semi-desired) format, but the plan is to quickly expand the nationalization of production. For this year, the expectation is to manufacture 50 thousand units. By 2026, the volume should jump to 150 thousand and, by 2030, reach 600 thousand cars a year.
With an investment of R $ 5.5 billion, the BYD complex occupies an area of 4.6 million square meters and is considered the largest in South America dedicated to electric vehicles.
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“We only take 15 months between starting the works and delivering the first experimental vehicle of our production line,” said Stella Li, Global Executive Vice President and CEO of Byd Américas and Europe.
Test cars and the first national models
The first vehicles produced on Brazilian soil are still in the testing phase, but represent an important step towards commercial production. The models, Song Pro and King (all in GL and GS versions) will be the first to leave the assembly line.
The Dolphin Mini, the best selling electric car in the country, was the highlight of the presentation. Currently sold for R $ 122 thousand, must have its price reduced to $ 119 thousand with the local assembly. Already Song Pro, a hybrid SUV, will go from $ 205 thousand to $ 199 thousand.
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According to Alexandre Baldy, senior vice president and Head Commercial of Byd Auto Brasil, the implementation of the automotive pole goes far beyond car production: “We are turning Camaçari into a power for the future. This complex manufacturing represents an victory for innovation, sustainability and trust in Brazil.”
The complex is expected to manage up to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in the coming years. In the first months alone, approximately 1,000 workers have been hired, and another 3,000 vacancies have been announced to be filled by the end of 2025.
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Gradual nationalization and supplier chain
Although initial production will take place via SKD regime, BYD intends to gradually expand nationalization, including welding, painting and stamping in the coming years. The company also develops a Flex hybrid engine, the 1.5 DM-I, designed in partnership between Brazilian and Chinese engineers to run with gasoline and ethanol.
More than 100 Brazilian companies are in the process of qualification as suppliers. The first approved was Continental Tires, also headquartered in Camaçari. The goal is that by 2027 the production chain is sufficiently developed to expand local content and reduce imported tax costs.
State -of -the -art technologies and future plans
The production line in Camaçari has intelligent automation, robots, noise control and real -time tracking of the vehicle in assembly. According to Stella Li, BYD plans to bring to Brazil ultra -rare loading technologies and autonomous assistants for parking and driving, as well as expanding its dealers network.
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“We are pushing forward what can be achieved. Our technology can solve everyday problems, such as parking in small spaces and ultra -rare recharge. Brazil will be the first country in the Americas to receive our new generation of porters,” said the executive.
Resumption for Camaçari
BYD occupies part of the closed ground in 2021, at a time that left thousands of workers aimlessly. “Ford closed its doors without giving satisfaction. Workers have cried in despair. Today we celebrate the arrival of a world reference, which returns the protagonism to our region,” said Luiz Carlos Caetano, mayor of Camaçari.
The governor of Bahia, Jerônimo Rodrigues, also celebrated the new cycle. “We are making history and putting Bahia once again at the center of attention around the world when it comes to energy transition.”
Operating in Brazil since 2014, BYD has become a leader in electric and hybrid car sales here, responding for 9 out of 10 electric vehicles sold in the country. Today, the company has 180 dealers and intends to reach 240 until the end of 2025.
“BYD is now a company made by Brazilians to Brazilians. We are ready to participate in the next chapter of automotive history in Brazil,” concluded Baldy.
