Workers operate on automobile engines at the production base complex of BYD in Camacari, Bahia State, Brazil, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

　　BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- From assembly lines in northeastern Brazil to hybrid engines tailored to the country's ethanol-rich fuel market, Chinese automakers are putting more of their manufacturing and innovation on the ground, moving beyond vehicle exports as they deepen their presence in Latin America's largest economy.

　　The growing local manufacturing presence is expected to gradually reshape Chinese automakers' export strategies in Brazil and open up new opportunities for industrial cooperation, Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), told Xinhua.

　　According to CPCA data, China exported 337,104 new energy vehicles (NEV) to Brazil in the first eight months of 2026, up 159.4 percent year on year, making the South American country the largest destination for Chinese NEV exports.

　　The growth comes amid expanding demand for electrified vehicles in Brazil. Battery electric vehicle registrations rose 172.3 percent year on year to 22,246 units in September, according to the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association.

　　Cui attributed the appeal of Chinese NEVs in Brazil partly to their competitive pricing and diverse product offerings, ranging from battery electric models for urban commuting to plug-in hybrids suited to longer journeys. He noted that such vehicles could meet the needs of Brazilian consumers who value affordability, driving range and lower operating costs, particularly as public charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped.