Chinese carmaker BYD inaugurated what it describes as its largest electric vehicle plant outside Asia on Thursday, highlighting Brazil’s bid to lead South America’s shift towards clean mobility while drawing renewed scrutiny of Beijing’s expanding industrial footprint.
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The opening of the vast Camacari complex in Bahia state brought together President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, state and local officials and dozens of industry figures. It coincided with the roll-out of BYD’s 14 millionth new energy vehicle, a symbolic milestone for the world’s biggest EV manufacturer as it deepens its presence in Latin America.
“Green development is an irreversible global trend,” said BYD founder and chairman Wang Chuanfu during the ceremony.
“We are here not just to build cars but to build a future, one that belongs to every Brazilian who chooses cleaner transport.”
The new complex, BYD’s largest facility outside Asia and the biggest electric vehicle factory in Latin America, represents an investment of R$5.5 billion (US$978 million).
Built on the grounds of a former Ford site, it will begin production with a capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year, expanding to 300,000 in a second stage.
