Chinese EV maker BYD will double the number of jobs planned for the first phase of its plant in the Brazilian State of Bahia, to 10,000 jobs, direct and indirect.
Initial works on the R$ 3 billion (USD 600 million) project will begin in February and the start of operation is scheduled for the end of this year or early 2025.
The decision on the opening of jobs aims to maximise the start of vehicle production in the unit and was taken after the Brazilian government announced the resumption of the 100% Import Tax on electric cars, suspended since 2016, and the increase of the tax for hybrids, said Marcelo Schneider, institutional director of BYD.
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According to Schneider, BYD will also make changes to the plant at the Polo Camaçari. “In February we will begin an expansion work. We will, practically, create a new factory, a new structure,” he said, quoted by the Brazilian press.
With an initial capacity to produce 150,000 vehicles per year, this number can subsequently reach 300,000 units per year.
BYD’s plant at Camaçari will be the company’s largest automobile factory outside of China. According to the company, the enactment of the tax reform will further encourage national automotive production and the positive economic scenario of Brazil contribute to BYD’s investment plans in the country.
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According to BYD, the priority is to value the local workforce, through the training and integration between Brazilian and Chinese workers.
“We will soon begin the selection and qualification processes. Our dream is to turn the Northeast region into a hub of innovation, not only for Brazil, but for the whole of Latin America,” said Stella Li, global executive vice president and CEO of BYD Americas.
“We will also offer scholarships so that students can go to China to learn”, the executive added.
