BYD Brazil plant hit by labor abuse probe as it reaches 100,000 cars produced

Brazil's BYD factory in Camaçari has been the subject of a labour‑rights investigation. Brazilian authorities say workers – both Brazilian and Chinese – reported moral and sexual harassment, passport confiscation and up to 60% of wages being withheld. The Ministry of Labour sued BYD and its contractors, leading to a temporary suspension of temporary‑worker visas and a R$40 million settlement to guarantee compliance.

At the same time, the plant marked a production milestone, assembling its 100,000th vehicle on 16 July. The output includes the electric Dolphin Mini and hybrid models such as the King and Song Pro, with export orders split between Argentina and Mexico. BYD also announced future launches – the Dolphin G plug‑in hybrid slated for early 2027, a new generation Dolphin Mini expected in 2028, and additional models like the Atto 2 SUV – underscoring its ambition to become Brazil’s top‑selling automotive brand by 2030.