Chinese EV maker takes just 15 months from breaking ground to producing the Dolphin Mini, the first locally manufactured all-electric vehicle in Brazil, at a cutting-edge plant in Camacari. Initially operating under the SKD system, the factory will gradually transition to full local manufacturing, including stamping, welding, painting, and an increased share of Brazilian-made components.
14 Jul 2025 | 2477 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
BYD, the Chinese all-electric vehicle manufacturer and the global EV market leader, has kicked off local production in the key Latin American market of Brazil. On July 2, the company held the start-of-production ceremony for the first BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull in China or Dolphin Surf in Europe) manufactured in ...
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BYD, the Chinese all-electric vehicle manufacturer and the global EV market leader, has kicked off local production in the key Latin American market of Brazil. On July 2, the company held the start-of-production ceremony for the first BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull in China or Dolphin Surf in Europe) manufactured in Brazil.
The all-electric Dolphin Mini rolled out of BYD's brand-new and cutting-edge factory in Camacari, Bahia and has already sold over 34,000 units (imported) in Brazil. Since its global debut in April 2023, the Dolphin Mini has already crossed the one-million units milestone. In addition to multiple global awards, the BYD Dolphin Mini was named World Urban Car of the Year in 2025 by World Car Awards.
Along with the Dolphin Mini, BYD also rolled out its first Brazilian-built super hybrid: the Song Pro. Production of three models will kick off in the coming weeks: BYD Dolphin Mini, Song Pro (GL/GS), and King (GL/GS).
“BYD is built by engineers and powered by innovation. We’re one of the world’s biggest investors in R&D, and now all that brainpower is fuelling our Brazilian factory. It took just 15 months from breaking ground to getting our first car off the line. This is not just a milestone for BYD — it’s a turning point for sustainable mobility in Latin America. We chose Bahia for its passionate people, skilled workforce, and game-changing potential," said Stella Li, Global Executive Vice President and CEO of BYD Americas and Europe.
“We’re turning Camacari into a future-forward powerhouse. This factory isn’t just bricks and machines — it’s a symbol of confidence, innovation, and belief in Brazil. BYD is here with purpose: to drive the next chapter of the Brazilian auto industry. What we’re seeing in Bahia today is nothing short of a tech revolution. We see ourselves as a Brazilian company now — built by Brazilians, for Brazilians," commented Alexandre Baldy, Senior VP and Head of Sales & Marketing at BYD Auto Brazil.
FACTORY OF THE FUTURE BETS BIG ON BRAZIL
Inside the Camacari plant, everything hums with intelligence. Automation, smart logistics, and real-time tracking. This is not an average assembly line, it’s a high-performance orchestra of robots and data systems where vehicles move with precision and rhythm.
A smart sequencing system gives production priority to the most in-demand models. Each vehicle is tracked in real time as it moves through the line. Robots handle everything from glass installation to battery tightening. The space is used with three-dimensional efficiency, making every inch count.
And it’s quiet. A unique silent friction system keeps sound levels below 70 decibels, creating a smooth and pleasant workspace. The building itself is one of Latin America’s largest dedicated to EV production, covering 156,800 square metres.
“Brazil is now at the epicentre of the global EV movement, and BYD is leading the charge. Since 2014, we’ve been laying the foundation — and now we’re seeing the results: market leadership, dealership growth, and a nationwide movement toward clean mobility,” said Tyler Li, President of BYD Brazil.
BYD is investing R$5.5 billion in its Camacari complex, a massive facility that spans 4.6 million square metres — equivalent to 645 football fields. Once all phases are complete, the project is expected to create up to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The plant will begin operations with an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles, with plans to scale up to 300,000 in the second phase. Initially operating under the SKD (Semi Knocked-Down) system, the factory will gradually transition to full local manufacturing, including stamping, welding, painting, and an increased share of Brazilian-made components.
Adding to this ambitious roadmap is the development of a flex-fuel hybrid engine, the 1.5 DM-i, designed and built in a collaboration between Chinese and Brazilian scientists. Engineered to run on both gasoline and ethanol —Brazil’s flagship renewable fuel — the powertrain combines BYD’s electric technology with next-level performance and efficiency.
BYD has a strong presence in Brazil. In May 2025, the Chinese automaker accounted for nine out of every 10 electric cars sold, and one in three hybrids. BYD is already the fourth best-selling brand in the country, surpassing automakers that have operated there for decades.
With 180 dealerships and counting, BYD states that is on track to reach 240 stores by the end of 2025 with a presence in every state, every capital, and every major city in Brazil.
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