Chinese vehicle exports surge in Brazil, fueled by electric, hybrid vehicles

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠China has become the second-largest exporter of motor vehicles to Brazil, with exports from China to Brazil seeing an increase of more than 300 percent year on year, according to the Brazilian National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.

Driven by cooperative efforts between the two counties, the trend is giving rise to innovative new types of vehicles produced by Chinese carmakers with support from Brazil.

In the first quarter of this year, the import volume of Brazilian passenger cars reached 1.5 billion dollars, marking a 46.4 percent year-on-year growth. Vehicles from China accounted for 40 percent of this total, with a significant rise in electric and hybrid cars, reaching a 450 percent year-on-year surge.

This substantial growth is attributed to efforts made by Chinese companies, including close cooperation with local enterprises and localized production.

"It's important for the brands to include a strategy to produce something in Brazil, to complement importation with local production," said Ricardo Bastos, chairman of the Brazilian National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.

Through active market research, Chinese companies have made breakthroughs in market segments, leveraging Brazil's abundant resources and collaborating with local firms under local policy frameworks.

"There is a mutual benefit in cooperation. We are developing hybrid vehicles using alcohol as fuel, which is supported by the Brazilian government. They will implement preferential policies in this area for the vehicle industry," said Li Tie, general manager of the Brazilian branch of BYD, a Chinese new energy vehicle company.

Brazil boasts the world's largest and most advanced ethanol fuel industry, allowing Chinese companies easy access to inexpensive and clean hydrogen.

Chinese companies have been engaging with potential partners in Brazil, including the government, scientific institutions, investment firms, and hydrogen manufacturing enterprises, to introduce hydrogen trucks and buses, thereby reducing costs and pollution in Brazilian public transportation.

To foster an environment conducive to electric vehicles, Chinese carmaker BYD, in collaboration with local businesses, plans to install 600 direct current charging stations across eight Brazilian cities over the next three years.

Chinese vehicle exports surge in Brazil, fueled by electric, hybrid vehicles

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which opened Tuesday in Zhuhai City of south China's Guangdong Province, showcases several advanced liquid-propellant rocket engines that promise to shape the future of space exploration.

Among the highlights is an 80-ton reusable liquid oxygen-methane engine, which stands out for its economic viability and potential for extensive application in reusable rocket designs. The efficiency of methane positions this engine as a pivotal component for future space missions.

"This engine's most significant feature is its complete reusability, with a capability of at least 50 uses. It has successfully gone through various development tests and is now ready for flight," said Song Dekun from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The 80-ton liquid oxygen-methane engine is tailored for the burgeoning commercial space market, offering substantial thrust while being engineered for reusability. Next to it, another engine designed for commercial space endeavors is on display - a high-altitude engine utilizing liquid oxygen and kerosene as fuel.

"It has a thrust of 72 tons and will be used in the rocket's second stage. The first stage carries the rocket to altitudes of 50 to 60 kilometers, and the second stage operates from there up to 200 kilometers and even into low Earth orbit, where it must ignite in near-vacuum conditions, requiring precise ignition capabilities," said Liu Shang from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Liu added that this engine is delivery-ready and is projected to undertake its inaugural flight in 2025, further solidifying China's position in the global aerospace landscape.

Popularly known as the Zhuhai Airshow, the premier aviation event has attracted 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions this year, with Russia, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Italy participating in the air show in groups. The airshow is scheduled to last through Sunday.

Cutting-edge liquid-propellant rocket engines at Zhuhai Airshow to benefit future space travel