BYD is accelerating its right-hand drive market expansion with full production at its Thailand and Uzbekistan plants. In May 2026, BYD exported 160,000 new energy vehicles, up 80.7% year-over-year. The Brazil plant also commenced operations in Q2 2026. Combined overseas capacity now exceeds 450,000 units annually, making localized production a core pillar of BYD's global strategy.
Overseas Plants at Full Throttle: BYD's Globalization Accelerates
BYD's overseas localization strategy has entered the harvest phase. Its Rayong plant in Thailand and Jizzakh plant in Uzbekistan are both operating at full capacity, while the Bahia plant in Brazil commenced operations in Q2 2026. Combined annual capacity across the three facilities reaches 450,000 units, covering Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and South America.
In May 2026, BYD exported 160,000 new energy vehicles, an 80.7% year-over-year increase. This marks BYD's 17th consecutive month as China's NEV export champion. Locally produced vehicles at overseas plants accounted for 35% of exports in May 2026, up from 18% in 2025.
Three-Plant Global Capacity Map
BYD's overseas production network now covers key regional markets:
Thailand plant: Annual capacity of 150,000 units, producing right-hand drive Seal and Atto 3 for Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia
Uzbekistan plant: Annual capacity of 100,000 units, producing Song PLUS and Destroyer 05 for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan
Brazil plant: Annual capacity of 150,000 units, producing Dolphin and Seagull for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia
BYD Overseas Capacity and Export Metrics
Metric | Full Year 2025 | Q1 2026 | May 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
Overseas capacity (10k/year) | 25 | 40 | 45 |
Monthly exports (10k units) | 8.5 | 12.3 | 16.0 |
Overseas plant share | 18% | 28% | 35% |
RHD model share | 42% | 51% | 58% |
Industry observers note that BYD's overseas strategy has shifted from pure vehicle exports to a "localized production + supply chain export" dual-engine model. Local parts sourcing at the Thailand plant has reached 42%, well above the industry average of 28%.
For Central Asian and Russian markets, the Uzbekistan plant holds strategic significance. Its road distance to Moscow is approximately 2,800 km, cutting delivery time by roughly 15 days compared to ocean shipping from Chinese ports. Buyers in Russia and Central Asia sourcing through platforms like EX1000.COM will benefit from faster access to BYD's localized products.
