Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has officially launched operations at its new passenger vehicle production plant in Brazil, a key step in the company’s international expansion strategy.
Production began on July 1 at the factory located in Camacari, Bahia State, BYD said in a statement on Monday. The plant, which forms part of a $1 billion (5.5 billion Brazilian reais) industrial complex, targets an annual output of 150,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs) in its first phase.
The first model rolling off the assembly line is the Seagull, renamed Dolphin Mini for the Brazilian and Mexican markets. Additional models including the Song Pro and Chaser 05 are also set for local production. BYD said on June 30 that global cumulative sales of the Seagull had surpassed one million units.
“This launch marks a significant milestone in BYD’s efforts to localize production and meet growing demand for sustainable mobility in Brazil and across Latin America,” the company said.
The Camacari complex was announced in July 2023 and includes three distinct factories: one for electric buses and truck chassis, one for passenger NEVs, and one for processing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery materials. The passenger vehicle plant supports both all-electric and plug-in hybrid models.
“Camacari offers a strategic location with mature logistics and supply chain infrastructure that supports our long-term vision,” BYD noted in the statement.
Since entering Brazil’s passenger vehicle market in 2021, BYD has sold more than 130,000 units in the country. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, sales exceeded 20,000 units, securing BYD the top spot in local NEV sales. In May, the company ranked fourth among all automotive brands in Brazil, with a market share of 9.7%.
Globally, BYD has expanded its reach to over 110 countries and regions. Overseas sales reached 470,000 units in the first half of this year, marking a 132% increase from the same period in 2024. The company now forecasts its overseas sales will exceed 800,000 units in 2025.
