Highlights
- Brazilian authorities stopped BYD factory construction.
- Discovery of slave-like working conditions for 163 Chinese workers.
- Investigators found multiple labor violations including:
- Passport confiscation
- Withheld wages
- Harsh working conditions
- BYD terminated the contract with Jinjiang Construction.
- Workers were relocated.
- BYD pledged commitment to Brazilian labor laws.
Brazilian authorities have halted construction of a BYD electric vehicle factory in Bahia after uncovering “slave-like conditions” affecting 163 Chinese workers employed by contractor Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltd.
Investigators reported severe labor violations, including inadequate accommodations, confiscated passports, withheld wages, and harsh working conditions under intense heat. The factory, intended to be BYD’s largest EV plant outside Asia, was expected to produce 150,000 vehicles annually.
BYD has terminated its contract with Jinjiang and relocated affected workers to hotels, emphasizing its commitment to Brazilian laws and human rights. Authorities plan an online hearing for BYD and Jinjiang to address and rectify these violations. The incident raises serious concerns about corporate accountability and supply chain ethics in global operations.
BYD is the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer:
- Production: In 2023, BYD manufactured 3 million EVs, compared to Tesla’s 1.8 million.
- Sales: BYD sold more all-electric cars than Tesla in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Price: BYD’s EVs are generally less expensive than Tesla’s, with an average price of around $20,000 compared to Tesla’s average price of over $40,000.
- Hybrids: BYD also offers a selection of hybrid vehicles, which are popular in China.
BYD is a Chinese multinational manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. BYD Auto is a subsidiary of BYD Company Limited that produces automobiles.
Daniel
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