Model is part of a strategic preparation phase for the start of the production line in Camaçari
Camaçari (BA), July 1st, 2025 — BYD, global leader in green technology, has off icially rolled off the very first BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull in China or Dolphin Surf in Europe) manufactured in Brazil, marking a historic milestone for the automotive industry across Latin America. Bold, stylish, and powered by clean energy, the country’s best-selling electric vehicle is more than just a car. Aff ordable, innovative, and irresistibly modern, it marks the beginning of a new era in mobility.
The stage is BYD's brand-new factory in Camaçari, Bahia—a cutting-edge industrial complex where every square meter breathes next-generation technology. For the first time, the doors swung open to reveal how Brazil’s newest electric vehicle is coming to life—and it’s electric in every sense.
Since its global debut in April 2023, the Dolphin Mini has already crossed the 1 million unit 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. In Brazil, it’s a phenomenon—already selling over 34,000 units.
“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", says Stella Li, Global Executive Vice President and CEO of BYD Americas and Europe.
And the BYD Dolphin Mini wasn’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." says Alexandre Baldy, Senior VP and Head of Sales & Marketing at BYD Auto Brazil.
The Factory of the Future
Inside the Camaçari 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 eff iciency, 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 a jaw-dropping 156,800 square meters.
“Brazil is now at the epicenter 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”, says Tyler Li, President of BYD Brazil.
Big Dreams
BYD is investing R$5.5 billion 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
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 July 2023 with a bold announcement in Salvador. Just three months later, the groundbreaking ceremony set the tone for what was to come. And by March 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 Local 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.
About BYD
BYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks worldwide. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, over 100 countries and regions. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world.
For more information, please visit www.bydglobal.com.
About BYD Auto
Founded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, and electronic controllers. It has witnessed in recent years significant technological advancements, including the Blade Battery, DM-i Super Hybrid Technology, e-Platform 3.0 Evo, CTB Technology, e⁴ Platform, DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, and Super e-Platform. The company is the world's first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on the EV shift and has remained top of new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for 10 years in a row. For more information, please visit www.byd.com.