- The SkyRail route developed by BYD for Sao Paulo has begun operations, marking the launch of its first overseas rail transit project.
- The launch of this infrastructure project comes as BYD seeks to significantly boost its overseas NEV sales in 2026.
The SkyRail line built by BYD for the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo has commenced operations, marking the launch of the company's first overseas rail transit project.
The project officially opened to traffic on March 31 local time, representing a significant milestone in the internationalization of BYD's rail transit business.
The line primarily connects Sao Paulo's key Congonhas Airport hub.
The Shenzhen-based EV and battery giant officially took over the project in 2020, completing train adaptation and system optimization around the existing beam structure, according to a statement on Wednesday.
The SkyRail trains are equipped with purpose-built batteries designed by BYD, featuring fully automated operations, green and low-noise performance, as well as high safety and efficiency, it said.
To address challenges such as complex construction conditions and steep slopes left from earlier phases, BYD carried out extensive technological breakthroughs to ensure the system's stable, all-weather operation, the company said.
The delivery of the landmark transit project comes as BYD increasingly shifts its strategic focus to overseas markets to counter intensifying competition in its home market of China.
BYD's overall new energy vehicle (NEV) sales in the first quarter fell 30% to 700,463 units.
Exports, however, gained momentum, jumping 55.84% year-on-year to 321,165 vehicles.
BYD management has raised its 2026 export target to 1.5 million vehicles, up from the guidance of 1.3 million earlier this year, a goal that implies the overseas business will bear a greater responsibility for growth.
BYD has a passenger vehicle assembly plant in Brazil, located in Camacari, Bahia, which officially began production on July 1, 2025.
Last month, BYD executive vice president Stella Li said the Brazilian plant had secured orders for 100,000 vehicles from Argentina and Mexico.
Li also mentioned at the time that BYD will spend 300 million reais ($58.2 million) to build a research center in Rio de Janeiro. Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2028.
($1 = 5.1551 reais)
