Chinese automaker BYD rolled out the first vehicle from its new passenger car plant in Camaçari, Bahia, on Monday, marking a major step in the company’s global expansion and the development of Latin America’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market.
The launch event was attended by Bahia Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues, Brazil’s Culture Minister Margareth Menezes, Camaçari Mayor Luiz Carlos Caetano, BYD Executive Vice President Lian Yubo, and BYD Brazil General Manager Li Tie.
The facility is one of BYD’s largest overseas projects and is expected to serve as a regional hub for clean energy transportation. Governor Rodrigues described the plant as a milestone for local industry and a new chapter in China–Brazil cooperation. He said the project is expected to create jobs, support the local economy, and promote technological transformation.
Construction of the plant was completed in just 15 months, according to Lian, who credited Bahia’s workforce and development potential as key reasons for choosing the location. The plant is situated in Camaçari’s industrial zone, near Salvador, offering access to a developed automotive supply chain and logistics infrastructure.
Announced in July 2023, the complex involves a total investment of 5.5 billion reais (approximately RMB 7.1 billion) and includes three factories. The facility will produce battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, with an annual capacity of 150,000 units and an estimated 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. BYD also plans to partner with local suppliers to support the growth of a sustainable NEV ecosystem in Brazil.
Since entering the Brazilian market in 2021, BYD has sold vehicles to over 130,000 customers in the country. In the first quarter of 2025, the company sold more than 20,000 units, leading the local NEV segment. In May, BYD ranked fourth among all car brands in Brazil with a 9.7% share of the retail market.
The company attributes its growth in Brazil to its long-term localization strategy and efforts to establish production within the country, which have helped it overcome regulatory and trade challenges.
Globally, BYD’s NEVs are now available in more than 110 countries and regions. Overseas sales reached over 470,000 units in the first half of 2025, representing a 132% increase from the same period last year. The company expects total overseas sales to exceed 800,000 units by year-end.
BYD says it will continue to focus on combining global expansion with localized operations as it promotes green and intelligent mobility solutions around the world.
