Automundo China

STORY: Electric vehicle producer BYD brought hundreds of Chinese workers on irregular visas to build a factory in Brazil, according to a key labor inspector.They told Reuters that the company has pledged to comply with local labor laws for the workers remaining in the country.A total of 163 of those workers, hired by BYD contractor Jinjiang, were found last month to be working in what Brazilian authorities said were "slavery-like conditions."The 163 workers who were rescued by authorities in December are leaving or have already left Brazil.The firm has reportedly agreed to adjust the conditions of the hundreds of workers who will remain in the country.The inspector said about 500 Chinese workers in total were brought to work in the Brazilian factory.BYD and Jinjiang did not immediately reply to a request for comment. BYD has previously said it cut ties with Jinjiang, which disputes the charges by Brazilian authorities.A person close to BYD told Reuters that the Chinese company believes the visas were issued properly.The factory has become a symbol of China's growing influence in Brazil.BYD has been building the faciilty to produce 150,000 cars initially as part of plans to start production in Brazil, its biggest market outside China.The probe has also brought unwelcome attention to BYD when it is seeking to expand globally and build on its dominance in China, the world's largest auto market.

The Tesla rival launched its first supercar, the Yangwang U9, last year, and has shown off its ability to "jump" over potholes and road spikes.

BYD YangWang U9 is equipped with a wide range of impressive advanced technology.

The labour violation probe could hinder BYD’s attempt to expand into the strategically important Latin American market. By Stewart Burnett

Electric Car News: BYD's luxury electric brand, YangWang, demonstrated the impressive autonomy and advanced suspension of its U9 supercar. The Disus-X suspension system

The used car markets in Europe and the US are poised for a sharp divergence in 2025. In Europe, the used car market faces a potential "cold winter" as price cuts on new electric vehicles (EVs) drive down the appeal and value of used cars. Meanwhile, the US market must grapple with the effects of tariffs introduced under the Trump administration, which could indirectly raise used car prices.

Building indigenous capacities to produce raw materials for lithium-ion batteries will be crucial for achieving energy transition goals.