GWM has made similar adaptations for the Brazilian market. In June, the company introduced locally produced hybrid vehicles that can run on gasoline or ethanol. The technology, developed with Brazilian engineers, underwent more than 400,000 km of testing under local driving conditions.

　　Cui said Brazil's established automotive industry offers considerable scope for cooperation with Chinese automakers. Brazilian suppliers have strengths in areas such as vehicle bodies, chassis and interiors, while Chinese automakers can provide key NEV components. Such complementary strengths could pave the way for closer cooperation in local sourcing, joint research on technologies adapted to Brazilian conditions, and supply chain development, Cui added.

　　"This is a phased transition: first exporting vehicle kits and equipment, then encouraging auto parts suppliers to make greenfield investments or establish joint ventures, creating a model in which automakers lead the overseas expansion of entire industrial supply chains," Cui said.

　　In March, BYD announced plans to invest 300 million Brazilian reals (about 59.4 million U.S. dollars) in an automotive research and testing center in Rio de Janeiro, where it plans to develop, test and validate vehicle technologies.

　　The Bahia state government also held talks with China's Minth Group in June, an automotive components supplier, to explore a possible investment in the state, with discussions focusing on opportunities created by BYD's local production.

　　Aecio Moreira, acting secretary of economic development of Bahia state, said BYD's investment had opened new opportunities to attract automotive suppliers and strengthen the state's auto manufacturing supply chain.