- The rollout of BYD's 14 millionth NEV comes about 11 months after its 10 millionth vehicle.
- BYD's passenger car plant in Brazil officially commenced operations on July 1, with Phase 1 targeting an annual production capacity of 150,000 NEVs.
BYD (HKG: 1211) marked a milestone at its Brazilian factory as the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker continues its international expansion efforts.
The company's 14 millionth NEV rolled off the production line at its Brazilian factory on October 9. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva witnessed a ceremony and became the owner of the vehicle, BYD announced today on Weibo.
The vehicle is a BYD Song Pro, which was gifted to Lula.
BYD has been in Brazil for over 11 years, with its electric buses now operating on Brazilian streets, said BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu.
BYD has over 170,000 owners in Brazil and has been the top seller in Brazil's NEV market for two consecutive years, he said.
BYD is not only an investor in Brazil but also a long-term partner, Wang added.
On the eve of the ceremony, the road in front of BYD's Brazil factory was officially renamed BYD Road.
This marks the third overseas road named after BYD, following previous designations in Lancaster, USA, and Rayong, Thailand -- both closely linked to the company's production bases.
BYD's passenger vehicle plant in Brazil officially commenced production on July 1 in Camacari, Bahia State.
The facility represents a total investment of 5.5 billion reais ($1 billion). Phase one targets an annual production capacity of 150,000 NEVs, according to a previous announcement.
The factory's first model produced is the Seagull, with subsequent models including the Song Pro and Chaser 05 also slated for local production there, BYD said in July.
The Seagull is rebranded as the Dolphin Mini in Brazil and Mexico. In Europe, the model is rebranded as the Dolphin Surf.
As its international expansion continues, BYD has set several key milestones at its overseas factories.
On July 4, 2024, BYD's Thailand plant opened with the company's 8 millionth NEV rolling off production line there.
The 14 millionth NEV rolled off the line about 11 months after BYD's 10 millionth NEV was produced in China on November 18, 2024.
BYD had initially targeted sales of 5.5 million vehicles this year, though a Reuters report last month indicated the company had lowered that goal to 4.6 million units.
Beyond BYD, another Chinese automaker, GWM (HKG: 2333), has also commenced local production in Brazil.
GWM's Brazilian factory in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, commenced operations on August 15 local time.
Brazilian President Lula witnessed the rollout of the facility's first vehicle -- a Haval H6 GT --and signed its body.
($1 = 5.3788 Brazilian real)
