China's BYD plans to double capacity at Brazilian plant
BYD is seeking permits to double annual capacity at its Brazilian plant to 600,000 vehicles. The company says demand averages about 30,000 cars per month, against planned output of 25,000 monthly by the end of 2026.
1. Capacity and demand
BYD is seeking permits to raise annual production capacity at its Brazilian plant to 600,000 vehicles as it nears completion of its stamping, welding and paint facilities. Brazil Senior Vice President Alexandre Baldy did not give a time frame for the increase. He said demand averages about 30,000 cars per month, while BYD plans to reach monthly output of 25,000 by the end of 2026, leaving an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 sales unmet each month.
2. Local production plans
BYD aims to source more than 50% of its components locally as it enters 2027, exceeding the required minimum and enabling it to qualify as a local producer and begin regional exports, Baldy said. Investment in the plant has exceeded the planned 5.5 billion reais ($1.09 billion), and the Brazil unit expects billings to reach 200,000 cars this year. The plant employs about 9,000 people and expects to grow its workforce to around 10,000 by year-end.
