(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
With Tesla focusing primarily on the passenger car market, Chinese new energy company BYD has positioned itself as the world leader in pure electric bus design and development. The company is rapidly moving the e-bus from an experimental novelty to the next generation of reliable urban mass transit.
BYD recently stated that had a confirmed bus orderbook of more than 20,000 buses at the end of 2016.
BYD’s strength in the United States market is growing rapidly. In July, the Board of Los Angeles Metro, one of the largest transportation systems in the United States, voted today to award a contract for 60 40-foot all-electric buses to local manufacturer BYD. This was among the largest single contracts for electric buses in US history.
The buses are being assembled in BYD’s factory in Lancaster, California, and will enable the company to add 59 employees.
BYD has been increasing its manufacturing capability around the world, opening assembly plants in Argentina, Hungary, and France.
BYD and Berkshire Hathaway
In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million is now worth roughly $1.8 billion.
For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.
© 2017 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the 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.