New BYD centers to aid Brazil's growth

The plan of Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD to open two major research centers in Brazil will help boost local technology, sustainable development and talent pool while expanding its market share in Latin America, according to analysts.

BYD, one of the world's bestselling electric carmakers, will open its centers in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, according to BYD Brazil. The Rio de Janeiro center will focus on research and development operations, while the automotive research and innovation center in Bahia would aim to transform the state into a leading technology hub. The centers are also set to help boost talent in the country.

The two BYD centers should help adapt and develop new technologies in Brazil, but research priorities will need to be carefully managed, said Ana Tereza Lopes Marra de Sousa, a researcher and professor of Brazil-China relations at the Federal University of ABC in Brazil.