Chinese automaker BYD launched its first Brazilian-made plug-in hybrid flex-fuel vehicle on Monday [1].
The move allows the company to penetrate Brazil's unique flex-fuel market by offering a vehicle that adapts to local energy infrastructure. This strategy positions BYD to compete more effectively against traditional internal combustion engines in a region where ethanol is widely available.
The new model, named the Song Pro Super-Hibrido Flex Fuel, is capable of running on three different power sources: electricity, gasoline, and ethanol [1]. The vehicle is produced at the company's Camacari plant located in Bahia [2].
BYD said it launched the vehicle from São Paulo following a two-year investment period [1]. The company invested 100 million reais [3], which is approximately $19.5 million [1], to develop the capacity for this local production.
The decision to build the car in Bahia reflects a broader effort to localize supply chains and reduce reliance on imports. By utilizing a hybrid system that accepts ethanol, BYD is targeting a specific consumer preference in the Brazilian market, where flex-fuel vehicles have long been the standard, while simultaneously pushing for electrification [2].
The company's expansion into the region comes as sales for its electric and hybrid lineups continue to surge [3]. The Camacari facility serves as the hub for this new production line, marking a transition from importing units to establishing a domestic manufacturing footprint in South America [2].
“The Song Pro Super-Hibrido Flex Fuel can run on electricity, gasoline, or ethanol.”
BYD's entry into the flex-fuel hybrid market represents a strategic pivot to align with Brazil's existing biofuel infrastructure. By blending plug-in hybrid technology with ethanol compatibility, the company is lowering the barrier to entry for consumers who are not yet ready for fully electric vehicles but want to reduce emissions. This localization of manufacturing in Bahia also mitigates trade risks and reduces costs associated with importing vehicles from China.
