Shanghai (ZXZC)- In a historic move within the Brazilian automotive industry, BYD, a global new energy vehicle (NEV) giant, announced on July 4 its plans to establish operations at three factories in the Camaçari complex, located 50 kilometers from Salvador, Bahia. This venture comes with an investment exceeding R$3 billion.

The Camaçari complex will comprise three distinct manufacturing units. One will specialize in the production of chassis for electric buses and trucks, while the second will focus on plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles, boasting an estimated initial annual capacity of 150,000 units. The third unit, devoted to processing lithium and iron phosphate, will cater to the global market, leveraging the existing port infrastructure in the area.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas, lauds this undertaking as a pivotal moment for BYD in the Americas. She asserts that the new factories in Bahia will bring innovation and top-notch technology to Brazil, accelerating the country's shift to electromobility, a critical move in the fight against climate change and enhancing people's quality of life.

Photo credit: BYD

Set to commence operations in the second half of 2024, the three factories are projected to create over 5,000 jobs in the next few years. Tyler Li, President of BYD Brazil, points out the company's dedication to social contribution, with plans to hire local labor starting this year for necessary training and knowledge transfer.

Additionally, BYD's new complex is expected to attract suppliers from various sectors, including technical parts and services. The company intends to drive regional development by prioritizing local suppliers. Similarly, for civil construction works, the company aims to hire established local firms, further cementing its commitment to regional growth and development.