In preparation for its entry into the U.S. market, Chinese EV automaker BYD has opened its U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles today.
The automaker, which also builds charging systems, solar panels and LED lighting, set up shop in a two-story building surrounded by traditional car dealerships. BYD will target fleet sales to begin with but plans to make vehicles available to the public next year.
Hertz is one of the company’s initial customers, with the rental giant set to offer the BYD e6 electric car at the Los Angeles International Airport. The e6 (pictured above) seats five and has a claimed range of 187 miles. Hertz will also purchase BYD electric shuttle buses for use at the airport.
The automaker’s new headquarters will be “a catalyst that ushers in good jobs, global investment and a more sustainable future,” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. The move is expected to create 150 engineering and management positions while also potentially producing many other jobs in related industries.
BYD is partially owned by Mid American Energy Holdings Company, a division of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
In case you were curious, the company’s name is an acronym for Build Your Dreams.
References
1.’Chinese electric carmaker…’ view
