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Chinese Manufacturer Starts Prototypes of Plug-In Pickup with 1.5 DM-i Engine Adapted to Ethanol and Plans National Launch in 2027
BYD is quietly advancing on a strategic project that could shake up the compact pickup market in Brazil. The Chinese manufacturer has already assembled the first prototypes of a new plug-in hybrid pickup that will directly compete with the Fiat Strada, the historical segment leader. The launch is expected in 2027, but road testing should begin in the coming months.
This information was disclosed by “Autoesporte,” which revealed exclusively that the small pickup project is well advanced. According to the report, BYD’s headquarters in China is concentrating on the model’s development and has already presented an internal mockup — a realistic and static visual representation of the car — for evaluation.
Therefore, the conception phase has already evolved to a practical stage. It appears that street tests with real prototypes will start soon. As soon as this happens, the first sightings should emerge, anticipating details about size, proportions, and visual identity of the new pickup.
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Flex Hybrid Pickup Will Have 1.5 DM-i Engine and National Production
In a recent interview with Autoesporte, BYD’s Vice President in Brazil, Alexandre Baldy, confirmed the development of the new family of pickups. Furthermore, he indicated that all models will feature plug-in hybrid or fully electric powertrains.
In the case of the rival to the Strada, the brand is expected to use the well-known naturally aspirated 1.5 DM-i four-cylinder 16V Atkinson cycle engine. This system already equips models such as Song Pro, Song Plus, and King. However, by 2027, the year set for the pickup’s launch, the powertrain will undergo adaptation and become flex-fuel, fulfilling BYD’s promise to align its engines with Brazilian ethanol.
This move represents a clear strategy. By combining plug-in hybrid technology with fuel flexibility, BYD aims to offer energy efficiency without sacrificing compatibility with the local market.
Moreover, production of the hybrid pickup will be domestic and concentrated at BYD’s factory in Camaçari, Bahia. Local assembly is considered essential to achieve the sales volume projected by the manufacturer. Consequently, the strategy should directly impact logistics, dealership supply, and price competitiveness.
There is also the possibility of exporting to other markets in the region, which reinforces the strategic role of the Bahia unit within the brand’s expansion plan.
BYD Aims to Enter the Top 3 Automakers by 2028
The new plug-in hybrid pickup won’t arrive alone. It is part of an ambitious growth plan from BYD in Brazil. The manufacturer has publicly stated its intention to become one of the three largest automakers in the country by 2028.
To achieve this, the goal is to sell about 350,000 vehicles per year by that deadline. In 2025, the Chinese brand recorded 112,915 units sold in Brazil. Therefore, the projected leap is significant and requires an expanded portfolio, robust local production, and a strong presence in strategic segments.
After revealing that BYD plans to have up to five pickups for sale in Brazil, Autoesporte detailed that the small pickup will be one of the most important in the new lineup. Precisely for this reason, the project has received priority attention from the headquarters in China.
The definitive visual remains a secret. At this stage, only free projections made by Kleber Silva, inspired by the Dolphin, indicate possible lines and design language.
However, regardless of the final style, the combination of flex hybrid powertrain, domestic production in Camaçari (BA), and competitive positioning could significantly alter the landscape of compact pickups in Brazil.
If the strategy works, the Strada rival could mark the beginning of a new phase for BYD in the country.
Do you believe that a flex hybrid pickup from BYD could really threaten the Strada’s dominance in Brazil?
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