Nexteer Automotive has opened a new assembly plant in Camaçari, in the north-eastern Brazilian state of Bahia, to supply steering systems for BYD's local vehicle manufacturing operations.
The site is located roughly 10km from BYD's manufacturing facilities in Camaçari.
The operation will assemble column-assist electric power steering (CEPS) systems designated for vehicles built in Brazil.
Plant activities will focus on final assembly and logistics, utilising components and subassemblies delivered from Nexteer's international manufacturing network.
The opening extends Nexteer's manufacturing footprint in Brazil, complementing its primary plant in Porto Alegre in the south and its Porto Real site in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Nexteer stated that the investment “enhances supply chain responsiveness and operational efficiency while providing localised support for BYD's vehicle production in the region”.
Nexteer Automotive provides motion-control and steering systems, with a portfolio covering electric and hydraulic power steering, chassis software, steer-by-wire, and driveline systems.
It supplies international vehicle manufacturers, including BYD, Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Nexteer Automotive Brazil country director Jeferson Oliveira said: “The opening of our Camaçari facility marks an important milestone in Nexteer's continued commitment to supporting customers through localised manufacturing and supply.
“By locating this facility near BYD's operations in Camaçari, we can enhance supply chain efficiency, improve responsiveness and strengthen collaboration while delivering the high-quality steering solutions our customers expect.”
Late last month, Nexteer opened a site in Liuzhou, China.
Extending across more than 40,000m2, that plant was reported to feature modern production equipment, research and development spaces, laboratories, a test track, an employee centre, and other supporting facilities.
In August, Nexteer Automotive introduced a High Mount Direct Drive SbW Hand-Wheel Actuator (HMDD), stating that the unit provides vehicle makers with greater “flexibility” in cockpit design for software-defined vehicles.
