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Reports came out in late December that workers building a BYD factory in Brazil were working in “slavery” conditions and were potentially victims of human trafficking. Without a doubt, something horrible was going on. How much BYD knew or didn’t know, we don’t know, but the company has now terminated its subcontractor, Jinjiang Construction Brazil.
“Brazilian authorities have halted the construction of a factory for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD, saying workers lived in conditions comparable to ‘slavery’,” BBC reported. “More than 160 workers have been rescued in Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia, according to a statement from the Public Labor Prosecutor’s Office (MPT).
Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, in collaboration with Suspensys, has unveiled the VW Meteor Hybrid, Brazil’s first hybrid concept truck. This vehicle features a diesel engine combined with an electric auxiliary axle developed by Suspensys, enabling intelligent traction management that optimizes performance, reduces travel time, and enhances fuel efficiency.
The intelligent traction system allows the third axle to become driven, transforming the truck into a 6×4 configuration when necessary. This provides additional torque for uphill climbs and improved starting power when towing a loaded trailer. Preliminary studies suggest that this setup can decrease travel time due to the extra power.
Additionally, the regenerative system recovers energy during deceleration and in areas with elevation changes, enhancing efficiency and battery storage. The extent of increased autonomy depends on the operation and route. Initial tests estimate that the Meteor Hybrid concept can reduce diesel consumption by up to 10%, depending on the operation’s topography. This directly impacts CO₂ emissions, potentially avoiding over 25 tons annually.
PSR Analysis. This concept aligns with Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus’s strategy for decarbonization, as it can operate solely on the diesel engine during long trips without the need for charging infrastructure. This flexibility is particularly useful for routes lacking charging stations, increasing the operational versatility of the hybrid model. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research
Volvo Construction Equipment has expanded its Brazilian manufacturing portfolio by localizing production of the A45G articulated hauler at its Pederneiras facility in São Paulo. This model, the largest articulated hauler produced by Volvo in Brazil, is now eligible for BNDES’s Finame financing program, that offers attractive rates and favorable payment terms.
The A45G is designed for industries requiring heavy-duty articulated haulers with a payload capacity of 41 tons, such as mining and heavy construction.
For more information on the OEM products market, visit OE Link, the Power Systems Research proprietary OEM products database.
The 35th MOVIMAT show brings together the entire integrated logistics chain for Latin America. Held in conjunction with the 2024 Fenatran International Road Cargo Transport Show in São Paulo, Brazil, the event attracted a diverse range of exhibitors, including buyers from industries such as distribution, wholesale, retail, and e-commerce, as well as the latest integrated solutions focused on Industry 4.0.
Over the five days of the fair, MOVIMAT provided an opportunity to explore new product launches, establish connections, and gain deeper insights into the forklift segment, particularly in terms of production and sales levels.
Notably, there was significant attention on the rapid growth of Lithium-Ion battery technology in the region. The South America Power Systems Research (PSR) team attended the event to learn more about these developments and the companies that are making them happen. PSR
Heitor Greco Aguiari is Analyst – Industrial and Off Highway at Power Systems Research
For more information on OEMs in the industrial products market, visit OE Link, the Power Systems Research proprietary OEM products database.
Fabio Ferraresi
Dir. Business Development South America
Fabio Ferraresi
Dir. Business Development South America
Fabio Ferraresi holds a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of São Paulo, and he received his MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas. He also holds CMQ-OE and CQE certifications from American Society for Quality. He has experience in automotive business in South America and Asia. He has worked for Eaton Corporation for 12 years in Brazil and China in positions such as supplier development manager, supply chain manager, factory manager and quality manager. Fabio also serves as business development director of Grupo Engenho, a consulting company with activities in business management and Operational excellence. Fabio joined the Power Systems Research team in 2014.
Fenatran is one of the largest transport and logistics fairs in Latin America. It is held every other year in São Paulo, Brazil. This year it was held Nov. 4 – 8 and, as usual, introduced significant launches in the road transport sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and connectivity.
This year’s edition featured 600 exhibitors, including 74 new brands, spread across an area of over 100,000 m²; more than 60,000 people attended. The Power Systems Research team in South America visited the show to monitor trends
Randon showcased its innovations at two major global mobility fairs. At the IANA Intermodal Expo in the U.S., it celebrated delivering its first container chassis semi-trailer with the e-Sys system to the North American market. This sale was made through its subsidiary, Hercules Chassis, to South Carolina Port Authorities. Randon also participated in the IAA Transportation fair in Germany, where it focused on expanding exports from its U.S. subsidiary, especially targeting the African market.
PSR Analysis: This announcement opens doors for Randon to increase its market penetration in the U.S. and possibly expand into neighboring markets such as Canada and Mexico. Success with this technology in one of the largest global markets can also enhance Randon’s brand recognition, credibility, and export potential, especially in regions that prioritize advanced and sustainable logistics solutions. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development-South Americafor Power Systems Research
Eneva, a natural gas operator, plans to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Virtu LNG’s truck fleet, starting in January 2025. This fuel will be used for the logistics and distribution operations of Yara Brasil, a global leader in plant nutrition.
The initiative will begin in Maranhão and is expected to expand to other states. The transportation contract was signed on September 24 at the ROG-e fair, a major oil and gas event.
Randon showcased its innovations at two major global mobility fairs. At the IANA Intermodal Expo in the U.S., it celebrated delivering its first container chassis semi-trailer with the e-Sys system to the North American market. This sale was made through its subsidiary, Hercules Chassis, to South Carolina Port Authorities. Randon also participated in the IAA Transportation fair in Germany, where it focused on expanding exports from its U.S. subsidiary, especially targeting the African market.
PSR Analysis: This announcement opens doors for Randon to increase its market penetration in the U.S. and possibly expand into neighboring markets such as Canada and Mexico. Success with this technology in one of the largest global markets can also enhance Randon’s brand recognition, credibility, and export potential, especially in regions that prioritize advanced and sustainable logistics solutions. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research
Eneva, a natural gas operator, plans to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Virtu LNG’s truck fleet, starting in January 2025. This fuel will be used for the logistics and distribution operations of Yara Brasil, a global leader in plant nutrition.
The initiative will begin in Maranhão and is expected to expand to other states. The transportation contract was signed on September 24 at the ROG-e fair, a major oil and gas event.
The São Paulo state government is working to attract the attention of automotive companies to the state, including Tata Motors, a subsidiary of the giant Indian-based Tata Group.
Tata’s staff has been in Brazil since the end of August 2024 and they will meet São Paulo government again in Germany by the end of September.
The secretary of Government, Jorge Lima, also revealed negotiations with a Chinese auto parts manufacturers for a factory in the state. The company’s name remains confidential, as São Paulo is competing with Minas Gerais and Paraná for the facility.
PSR Analysis: Indian Companies have been looking at the Brazilian and South American Market since 2000 and now the announcement made by the São Paulo Government shows some movement to make it more than just a study. The experience with Ethanol that Brazil and India have and comparable size and cost for low end vehicles adds data to the business decision. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development-South America, for Power Systems Research
