(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD BYD, the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has joined forces with ATL Automotive in a strategic partnership aimed at expanding the presence of EVs across the Caribbean.
The collaboration, officially announced on June 26 in Kingston, Jamaica, signifies a significant step towards advancing transport electrification in the region.
ATL Automotive, a key player in the automotive sector since its establishment in 1997, has been at the forefront of investment in the Jamaican automotive landscape for over a decade. With a committed workforce of approximately 600 employees, ATL Automotive has garnered a reputation as the largest investor in the industry in Jamaica. Drawing upon its wealth of experience as a prominent car distributor, ATL Automotive has been appointed as BYD’s regional distributor and will oversee sales and aftersales operations not only in Jamaica but also in nine other countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman, Curaçao, Barbados, Aruba, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Guyana, and Suriname.
The future-oriented collaboration between BYD and ATL Automotive will involve the establishment of BYD showrooms across the Caribbean. In the initial phase, two showrooms will be opened in Jamaica, specifically in Kingston and Montego Bay. The Kingston showroom, dubbed the “Experience Centre,” will serve as a platform to showcase upcoming BYD models and cutting-edge technologies.
Adam Stewart, the Executive Chairman of ATL Automotive Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “As we look to the future with the world increasingly embracing electric vehicles, we sought to partner with the best electric vehicle maker, which is BYD.” Stewart further emphasized the importance of transitioning to clean energy, affirming that electric vehicles have become an enduring presence in the automotive industry. He proudly asserted the capability of Jamaican enterprise to compete on a global scale and announced that pre-orders for BYD vehicles would be accepted immediately, with deliveries scheduled to commence in October. Stewart also revealed ambitious plans for an extensive rollout of showrooms across the Caribbean, firmly establishing BYD as the region’s premier EV brand.
Neva Zhang, the Country Manager of Caribbean and Central American Countries at BYD, echoed Stewart’s sentiments and highlighted the significance of the collaboration with ATL Automotive Group. Zhang emphasized BYD’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the brand’s philosophy revolves around protecting the planet and benefiting future generations through green technologies. With a brand vision centered on cooling the Earth by 1°C, BYD aims to establish ten showrooms in the coming year in partnership with ATL Automotive, offering enhanced user experiences and promoting sustainable mobility throughout the region.
The partnership between BYD and ATL Automotive signifies a milestone in the Caribbean’s transition towards clean and sustainable transportation. With BYD’s expertise in EV manufacturing and ATL Automotive’s extensive regional presence, this collaboration promises to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and contribute to a greener future for the Caribbean and beyond.
© 2023 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.