SALVADOR, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 1.Jul.2025, Words: 715) — BYD, global leader in green technology, officially rolled off the very first BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull in China or Dolphin Surf in Europe) manufactured in Brazil. This marks a historic milestone for the automotive industry across Latin America.
The Mini was produced at BYD’s brand-new factory in Camaçari, Bahia — a cutting-edge industrial complex where every square meter breathes next-generation technology.
In Brazil, Mini is a phenomenon—already selling over 34,000 units.
RELATED: BYD eyes producing EVs in Brazil in 2025
“Bold, stylish, and powered by clean energy, the country’s best-selling electric vehicle is more than just a car. Affordable, innovative, and irresistibly modern, it marks the beginning of a new era in mobility,” BYD said on 1 Jul. 2025 in an official statement.
“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 fueling 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,” BYD Americas and Europe global executive vice president and CEO Stella Li said in the statement.
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And the BYD Dolphin Mini isn’t alone. BYD also rolled off its first Brazilian-built super hybrid: the Song Pro—another best-seller. Production of three models will kick off in the coming weeks: BYD Dolphin Mini, Song Pro (GL/GS), and King (GL/GS).
“We’re turning Camaçari 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” BYD Auto Brazil senior vice president and head of sales & marketing Alexandre Baldy said.
Big dreams
BYD is investing R$5.5bn in its Camaçari complex, a massive facility that spans 4.6 million square meters— equivalent to 645 football fields. Once all phases are complete, the project is expected to create up to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to BYD.
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.
From groundbreaking to game-changer
The journey started in Jul. 2023 with a bold announcement in Salvador. Just 3 months later, the groundbreaking ceremony set the tone for what was to come. And by Mar. 2024, construction started. Now, 15 months later, testing has already begun. What was once an abandoned site is now becoming a world-class industrial park.
Over 1,000 employees are already part of the Camaçari operation — not counting hundreds of subcontractors. And 3,000 new jobs are opening by the end of this year.
Global leader and Llcal power
Globally, BYD is the undisputed leader in new energy vehicles — not only outpacing all electric vehicle manufacturers, but also surpassing traditional automotive giants in China. As a true greentech powerhouse, BYD controls the entire production chain and owns core technologies in batteries, electric motors, and control systems.
In Brazil, BYD has become the symbol of the energy transition. In May alone, the brand accounted for 9 out of every 10 electric cars sold, and 1 in 3 hybrids. BYD is already the 4th best-selling brand in the country, surpassing automakers that have operated there for decades.
And the momentum continues. With 180 dealerships and counting, BYD 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.
RELATED: BYD shelves plans to build major Mexico car plant over Trump’s trade war
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By Pedro Silva reporting from Salvador. © 2025 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
