Hand in hand with the Chinese automotive giant BYD (Build Your Dreams), the electric car market in Argentina is expanding.
The world leader in electric mobility, and main competitor of Tesla, took a key step in its regional strategy by officially establishing its subsidiary BYD Auto Argentina S.A.U.
The formation of the company, published in the Official Gazette, marks the beginning of a new stage. Additionally, as they have announced, it could include investments in infrastructure, distribution, and electric vehicle services in the country.
Electric cars and a subsidiary with local projection
The company registered as Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal (S.A.U.) with an initial capital of $30 million, divided into shares subscribed by BYD (H.K.) Co., Limited, the group’s parent company.
They have already appointed executive Yuan Deng as the president and sole titular director of the subsidiary in Argentina.
The corporate purpose of BYD Auto Argentina S.A.U. includes manufacturing, importing, marketing, and maintaining electric cars, auto parts, batteries, and luminaires. In other words, it consolidates a broad framework for future operations.
In a first phase, BYD will work with local distributors, although the establishment of the subsidiary opens the door to direct investment projects in Argentine territory.
BYD: the world leader in electric cars
Founded in 1995 as a battery manufacturer, BYD has become one of the most important brands in the world for plug-in electric vehicles, reaching 4.27 million units sold in 2024.
Its vertical integration model, which includes everything from battery production to software development, allows it to reduce costs and offer electric cars at competitive prices, an advantage over other global manufacturers.
Latin America holds a strategic position in the brand’s expansion. While facing high tariffs in the United States and Europe, the region offers more flexible regulations and a growing demand for sustainable mobility.
In Brazil, BYD is progressing with the construction of a plant in the industrial hub of Camaçari, Bahia, which will supply various South American markets. Additionally, the company has already established itself as a supplier of electric buses for public transportation in cities like Bogotá, Santiago, and São Paulo.
Argentina and a promising market for electric mobility
BYD has already established itself in Argentina. (Photo: Wikipedia).
BYD’s arrival in Argentina takes place in a favorable context for electromobility. In the second call of the tariff-free import regime for electric and hybrid cars, the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce approved 22,998 units, in addition to the 27,002 previously authorized.
It is estimated that 63% of the imported vehicles are from Chinese manufacturers, which amounts to approximately 31,500 units. Currently, 17 Chinese electric car brands are already present (including BYD, Chery, JAC, Geely, Great Wall, and Changan).
