BYD has produced its 100,000th new energy vehicle (NEV) at its manufacturing facility in Camaçari, Brazil, marking a milestone in the company’s efforts to expand localized vehicle production in South America.
The milestone vehicle, a BYD Seagull, rolled off the production line on 16 July local time, the company said. The plant’s workforce has also grown to more than 5,500 employees as production capacity continues to expand.
Brazil Plant Advances Localization Strategy
The Seagull is marketed as the Dolphin Mini in Brazil and Mexico, while it is sold as the Dolphin Surf in Europe.
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Li Tie, general manager of BYD’s Brazilian subsidiary, said the company is developing the Camaçari facility into a modern new-energy vehicle manufacturing base while continuing to increase production capacity and strengthen its local supply chain.
He added that the company aims to create additional local employment opportunities while supporting Brazil’s transition toward lower-emission transportation.
The Camaçari plant, located in the northeastern state of Bahia, officially began production on 1 July 2025 following an investment of approximately 5.5 billion Brazilian reais (US$1 billion).
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The facility’s first production phase is designed to manufacture up to 150,000 vehicles annually, with the Seagull serving as its initial production model.
Expanding Manufacturing Presence
BYD has increasingly used its overseas production facilities to mark major manufacturing milestones as it expands internationally.
In October 2025, the company’s 14 millionth global new energy vehicle, a Song Pro produced at the Brazil plant, was presented to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a ceremony.
The company is also increasing the local content of vehicles assembled in Brazil. Last month, BYD Brazil Senior Vice President Alexandre Baldy told Reuters that the automaker aims to raise the localization rate of Brazilian-produced vehicles to 50% by early 2027.
“We are localizing, so that we can truly become a Brazilian manufacturer. The battery is one more item, an important component.”
Overseas Growth Remains a Priority
Brazil has become one of BYD’s key overseas markets as the company continues expanding beyond China amid intensifying competition in its domestic market.
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The automaker has stated its ambition to become Brazil’s best-selling automotive brand by 2030 and has already entered the country’s top five vehicle brands by sales.
BYD also increased its overseas sales target for 2026 from 1.3 million vehicles to 1.5 million earlier this year, reflecting the growing importance of international markets to its long-term growth strategy.
