Category: Minority Stock Positions

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

A fleet of Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD’s electric buses are now rolling through the streets of Indianapolis as part of IndyGo’s new Red Line transit system.

IndyGo’s Red Line began service on September 1, 2019, and feature a 31-strong fleet of BYD’s 60-foot buses that travel along bus-only lanes.

The buses have a stated battery range of 275 miles, but in 51 tests that included Indianapolis’s frigid winter weather, the buses fell short of that performance level. In response, BYD, which has an association with Momentum Dynamics, agreed to provide wireless charging platforms at either end of the route in order to boost the buses’ charge level throughout the service day.

The Red Line is the first of IndyGo’s Bus Rapid Transit systems, providing increased frequency, reliability, comfort, and convenience at a fraction of the cost of light rail.

Unlike far-spaced light rail, the permanence of BRT infrastructure all along the corridor supports increased private investment, contributing to increased economic opportunity and quality of life.

Running for 13 miles, IndyGo’s new Red Line is billed as a milestone in improved capacity, comfort and comprehensive accommodation for every rider’s experience.

The Red Line corridor is the densest corridor of both residents and employers within Marion County.

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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD has now installed 1 GWp in solar panels in Brazil.

BYD – a global leader in new energies – is immensely proud to have contributed significantly to the south American country reaching the overall mark of 3 GWp installed (1 GWp in distributed generation only), according to projections of the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR), and data from Aneel.

In 2017, BYD opened its second Brazilian factory in the city of Campinas, exclusively to produce PV solar panels. Two years earlier, BYD also set up a electric bus production line in Campinas, and also began selling electric vehicles (EVs) and forklifts.

According to Aneel, there were 31,896 new connections of micro and mini generators in the Brazilian power network by the end of June 2019, compared to 35,139 systems installed throughout 2018. Considering installed capacity, the volume in the first half of 2019 was about of 361 Megawatts (MWp), which represents 91.85% of all installation in 2018 (393 MWp). These numbers confirm the growing size and importance of PV solar projects in Brazil.

Gustavo Tegon, Sales Manager at BYD Energy Brazil points out that the company, which is already a global leader in the manufacture of solar panels and energy storage systems, is also a setting a benchmark in Brazil. “Following the establishment of the solar panel factory in Campinas, much of the emerging solar market in Brazil has opted for BYD products for their quality, technology and delivery capability. Having reached almost 1/3 of the national market is a proof of our excellence. ”

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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD has delivered 100 new BYD electric buses to the port of San Antonio.

Three Chilean Ministers (Transportation, Energy and Environment) welcomed the buses, together with representatives of BYD, Enel and Metbus.

The buses, BYD K9FE, were shipped from the port of Shanghai on July 1, and landed on Wednesday, beginning the overland journey from San Antonio to the Chilean capital Santiago, where they will be integrated into the fleet that operates on the Avenida Grecia, the only completely electrified bus line in all of the Americas, and one that benefits more than 660 thousand people weekly.

Following the arrival of this batch of electric buses, another 83 units will be added in mid-August. These 183 units of BYD pure electric buses will join the 100 electric buses that BYD and local partner Enel brought into Santiago last December, which gave BYD a dominant share of more than 60% in the capital’s promising electric bus market, and created the largest pure electric bus fleet in Latin America.

Minister Hutt pointed out that “the arrival of this new fleet of electric buses demonstrates once again that the qualitative leap in public transport will not change, as well as our commitment to continue raising the quality of people’s travel experience and, of course, their quality of life. It is a profound and radical transformation, which is embodied in the next tenders that we are promoting”.

With the arrival of the new electric buses, about 6% of the capital’s fleet is now electrified and emissions-free. These 12-meter vehicles, like those already operating in Santiago, have Wi-Fi, USB ports, universal accessibility for people with reduced mobility, cameras and a segregated cab for driver safety, as well as padded seats and low floors.

They will be integrated during the last quarter into the existing Metbus fleet to operate the lines 506, 507 and 510, along the popular Avenida Grecia route. Metbus is also the largest pure electric bus fleet operator in all of the Americas.

“The arrival of these 100 new electric buses sees Metbus set a benchmark for electromobility in Santiago’s public transport, which makes us very proud, because we were able to incorporate this new technology in the country”, said Juan Pinto, president of Metbus. “We also opened the doors of the market so that many other bus operators are excited to bring electric buses here and several bus factories want to open in Chile to compete with these new products”.

The 183 electric buses will be powered by Enel X, which will also provide the necessary charging infrastructure by building three new charging stations in Santiago. “This new milestone for electric public transportation is framed in the context of the energy transition that Enel is leading. Our actions seek to support Chile’s transition to an ever-cleaner energy system and contribute to solving challenges as important as reducing pollution in our cities”, said Paolo Pallotti, general manager of Enel Chile.

“With this new fleet we started a consolidation process in the market and we continue to lead electric vehicle sales in Chile. All this would not be possible without our client Metbus, and also with the support of Enel X we have made possible a completely innovative financing structure,” said Tamara Berríos, Country Manager of BYD Chile. “In 2019, Chile will have the first fully electric bus route on the continent, 100% non-polluting and noise-free. The government has set Chile as a role model for the entire region and we will continue to support these electromobility initiatives”.

At present, BYD pure electric buses are successfully servicing markets in many countries across Latin America, including Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Uruguay. Globally, BYD’s pure electric buses, taxi, and other vehicles have spread to over 300 cities, in more than 50 countries and regions.

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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.
© 2019 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

New energy company BYD in partnership with Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL ) has sold its 100th pure electric double-decker bus for service in London.

On July 27, 2015, BYD announced a joint project worth $29.6 million deal with British bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited to build 51 single-deck zero-emission buses for London.
The buses utilize BYD’s chassis and electric drivetrain with the bodies supplied by ADL.

The partnership helps London move towards its goal of having all single-deck buses totally emission-free by 2020.

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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2018 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD has signed an agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation for the joint development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The two parties will jointly develop sedans and low-floor SUVs as well as the onboard batteries for these vehicles and others with the aim to launch them in the Chinese market under the Toyota brand in the first half of the 2020s.

BYD was founded in 1995 as a battery business and has grown into a total energy solution company, manufacturing not only electrified vehicles but other products such as large-size energy storage cells. The company name BYD stands for “Build Your Dreams” and core parts for electrified vehicles such as batteries, motors and power electronics are among the products that BYD develops in-house. In 2008, BYD became the first company in the world to sell mass production of plug-in hybrid electrified vehicles (PHEVs). Since 2015 onwards, BYD’s sales of BEVs and PHEVs have been ranked first in the world for four consecutive years.

In 1997, Toyota became the first company in the world to launch mass production hybrid electrified vehicles (HEVs). Since then, it has become a pioneer of electrified vehicle development, and accumulated a rich array of technologies and experience in the development, production, and sales of electrified vehicles.

To curb global warming, both BYD and Toyota seek to reduce CO2 emissions by promoting the widespread use of BEVs. To accomplish these goals, both companies believe there is a need to put aside their rivalry and collaborate; therefore, the two companies have agreed to jointly develop BEVs.

Going forward, BYD and Toyota will make use of the electrified vehicles, and battery development technologies they have acquired through their market introductions and will work together to further develop BEVs that are attractive to customers and in further promoting their widespread adoption.

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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD has opened a new global design center at the company’s headquarters in Shenzhen.

Some 300 designers will be working in the 136,000 square-foot design center.

The team is led by an elite trio of European designers that have left their marks on top brands:

Global Design Director Wolfgang Egger. Egger previously served as Chief Designer for Audi. Egger has over 30 years of experience in automotive design. During his time at Audi, he created new designs for iconic models such as the A8, Q7 and TT and oversaw the Lamborghini sub-brand. Before joining Audi, he worked at Alfa Romeo where he led the team in developing stunning designs that received worldwide acclaim.

Global Exterior Design Director JuanMa Lopez came to BYD after eight years as head of exterior design at Ferrari, where he supervised the design of the F12 Berlinetta, LaFerrari, 812 Superfast, 488 Coupe and Spider, and many others. He began his career as an industrial designer and is known for his extraordinary skills in prototyping.

And, Michele Jauch-Paganetti, who has been named Global Interior Design Director, came to BYD after serving as Head of Advanced Interior Design at Daimler AG. During his 18 years at Daimler, he led teams creating Mercedes Benz interiors ranging from the everyday luxury of the C Class to the avant-garde vision of the Maybach 6. Before joining Daimler, he spent 8 years at Volkswagen.

BYD already has design centers in Shanghai and Los Angeles, and has various designers based in Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Germany.

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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD has expanded its North American operations with the opening of its first bus assembly plant in Canada.

With buses already on order or in operation in Toronto, Victoria, Longueil, St. Albert and Grand Prairie, BYD will inaugurate the new 45,000-square-foot facility by assembling buses for the Toronto Transit Commission, Canada’s largest transit operator.

“We’re proud to establish a home in Canada; it re-affirms our commitment as a company to be rooted in this country and in this province,” said Ted Dowling, Vice President, BYD Canada.

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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD has sold an additional 183 electric buses to Santiago, Chile.

The Chilean Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Gloria Hutt, recently announced the new order, which is due to arrive in August.

The 183 BYD electric buses will join an existing fleet of 100 BYD electric buses that started service in December 2018. The buses are operated by Metbus.

With the new delivery, Santiago will become the largest operator of electric buses outside of China, with some 411 buses in service.

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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 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.