Chinese electric car company, BYD (Build Your Dreams) has opened its North American headquarters as the firm prepares to launch its first models in the continent. Its new headquarters was opened from Los Angeles earlier this week, as the firm reaffirmed plans to launch an electric bus, fully-electric crossover car and a plug-in hybrid.
So far the models have only been available in the firm’s home country. However, with the backing of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, the Shenzhen-based company has plans to rent out its fully electric eBUS through rental firm Hertz as well as sell its electric car models in the US and beyond. The company says it plans to create around 150 green-collar engineering and management jobs in Los Angeles focused on research and development as well as use the headquarters to plan the launch of its models.
“Our city’s environmental leadership and focus on the development of green tech jobs continues to attract innovative companies such as BYD,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Los Angeles welcomes BYD and the region’s partnerships with the Shenzhen Province as they invest in our vision of a more sustainable future.”
“BYD is thrilled to be making this investment in Los Angeles, a global city working towards a green, sustainable future,’ said BYD Chairman Chuanfu Wang. “We look forward to a long, productive relationship with the City, and thank Mayor Villaraigosa and his team for their hard work and dedication to recruiting green businesses to Los Angeles.”
