BYD has celebrated a production milestone at its Brazilian plant, marking the rollout of its 14 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV) as the Chinese automaker accelerates its international expansion. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended the ceremony on October 9 and received the milestone vehicle — a BYD Song Pro — as a gift, the company announced on social media.
BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu said the company’s long-term presence in Brazil reflects its commitment to local development. “BYD is not only an investor in Brazil but also a long-term partner,” Wang said.
See also: BYD Launches EV Sales in Argentina as Tariff Cuts Open Door for Chinese Carmakers
The automaker has operated in Brazil for over 11 years, with its electric buses already in service across the country. BYD currently has more than 170,000 vehicle owners in Brazil and has been the country’s top-selling NEV brand for two consecutive years, according to Wang.
Located in Camacari, Bahia State, BYD’s Brazilian passenger vehicle plant began production on July 1 with a total investment of 5.5 billion reais ($1 billion). The factory’s first model was the Seagull — marketed locally as the Dolphin Mini — followed by the Song Pro and Chaser 05, both scheduled for local assembly. The site’s first phase targets an annual production capacity of 150,000 NEVs.
See also: BYD Commissions Final Car Carrier in Current Fleet With Launch of BYD Jinan
In conjunction with the ceremony, the road in front of the facility was officially renamed “BYD Road,” marking the third such designation after similar roads were named in Lancaster, United States, and Rayong, Thailand. The milestone follows the launch of BYD’s Thailand plant in July 2024, where the company’s 8 millionth NEV was produced. The automaker reached the 14 million mark about 11 months after its 10 millionth NEV rolled off the line in China.
BYD had initially aimed to sell 5.5 million vehicles in 2025 but reportedly revised that target to 4.6 million units, according to a recent Reuters report. Other Chinese automakers are also strengthening their presence in Brazil — including GWM (HKG: 2333), which began operations at its new factory in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, on August 15, with President Lula attending the rollout of its first locally built Haval H6 GT.
