Storyline: Chinese auto brand BYD debuts its first Brazil-made cars [Voice_over] These are the first BYD electric cars to roll out of their new plant in Brazil. For now, the company's vehicles still arrive mostly assembled from China and are finished here. But BYD says the plan is to steadily increase local production and parts sourcing over time. [Sound_bite] Stella Li, Executive Vice President, BYD: "We are working closely with the local authorities and industry to help them get updated technologies. And we are in the process to qualify more than 150 local vendors to be our suppliers." [Voice_over] The governor of Bahia says he hopes this investment will help modernize his state and bring opportunities to its people. [Sound_bite] Jeronimo Rodrigues, Bahia State Governor: "The expectation is that we'll create in Bahia an environment of science, technology and innovation - and prepare our workforce for that." [Sound_bite] Daniel Almeida, President, Brazil-China Parliamentary Group: "This is very significant. It's a milestone in the strong relations that Brazil has been building with China and with Chinese business." [Voice_over] The new assembly line started with the Dolphin Mini - BYD's best-selling urban EV - but will soon expand to include the Song Pro and BYD King. The company says all three models will move into commercial production in the coming weeks. [Voice_over] BYD's president in Brazil says the company is adapting its strategy to local and regional needs. [Sound_bite] Tyler Li, President, BYD Brazil: "So we will produce vehicles here to export to other countries. And some models will (be) special-designed here in Bahia, to cover special segments, for example, the pickup market." [Voice_over] Construction began in March 2024 after BYD acquired a site once used by US automaker Ford. The plant launched with capacity to make 150,000 vehicles per year - with plans to double that in a second phase. [Sound_bite] Henrique Antunes, Sales Director, BYD Brazil: "It's very important to have local production which can compete in Brazilian market which have a big volume, and this facility will deliver this volume with competitive prices to be sold." [Voice_over] It's an industrial milestone that could put more Brazilian-built electric cars on roads across Latin America - and shows how Chinese investment is helping drive the region's shift toward cleaner transport. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]