Apr 29 2014
In a historic event attended by State of California Governor Jerry Brown, BYD unveiled the first California-made, all-electric, long-range, 40-foot rapid transit bus. The ceremony was held today in Lancaster, California, at BYD’s first ever electric bus factory in the United States, which has created more than 60 new jobs for American workers.
California Governor Jerry Brown stands with the American employees of BYD Motors at the April 2014 Unveiling Ceremony of the First American-Made, Long-Range, Electric Bus. (Photo: Business Wire)
“The City of Lancaster strongly believes in the importance of building solid private-public partnerships, such as our ongoing relationship with BYD. Together, we were recognized internationally for our innovative solar programs at the 2012 World Energy Globe Awards,” said City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “BYD continues to bring much-needed manufacturing jobs to our community, having already brought more than 60 new jobs to our region. We look forward to their continued growth, and the resulting economic prosperity they bring to the Antelope Valley and the State of California.”
BYD expects to increase the number of new jobs created to 100 by the end of the year, while adding 200 more by the end of next year. The company hopes this will be the first of many cities where BYD will provide clean energy electric buses, while creating more jobs for Americans.
“This event is truly historic with the unveiling of the first California-made, all-electric, long-range, 40-foot rapid transit buses lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge,” said CEO of BYD Motors, Stella Li. “BYD has a long and solid commitment to provide zero-emission, superior technology transportation vehicles in the United States. We are starting out here in Lancaster, California, with the goal of providing clean energy electric buses, throughout the United States creating even more jobs for Americans. BYD is proud to deliver this breakthrough environmentally friendly technology to California.”
BYD's breakthrough battery and EV technologies have resulted in an electricity-powered, 24-hour, long-range battery that provides emission-free, silent, and economic public and private transportation. As the world's largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, BYD's mission is to create safer and more environmentally-friendly battery technologies — this has resulted in the BYD Iron Phosphate Battery. California Governor Jerry Brown attended the event and stated, “This is a small beginning – a few buses – but it holds the promise of something very big and very important.”
Speakers at the ceremony included:
- Governor Jerry Brown — Governor of California
- Mayor R. Rex Parris — Mayor of Lancaster, California
- Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich — Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
- Bill Allen — President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
- Stella Li — CEO, BYD Motors
- Micheal Austin — Vice President BYD America
- Lanny Davis — Attorney for BYD and former White House Special Counsel
ABOUT BYD Motors Inc.:
BYD Motors Inc. is an American manufacturing company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BYD Company Ltd., the largest domestic auto-manufacturer and electric-bus manufacturer in China. BYD is a publicly traded company, with the Hong Kong listed stock 60% of which is owned by U.S. investors, and Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway as the largest single shareholder at 9.9%.
BYD Motors established its headquarters in downtown Los Angeles in October 2011 and has now hired over 60 Americans to support BYD Electric Bus and Energy Module factories in Lancaster, California, which will be delivering their first electric buses at the end of the month. There are also over 25 American research and development and sales support personnel at the Los Angeles headquarters. BYD expects to create 100 new jobs by the end of this year, with 200 by the end of next year all devoted to building BYD's breakthrough battery technologies enabling zero-emission, electric buses, higher utility fleet delivery vehicles, taxis and longer lasting batteries than any other manufacturer in the U.S.
As the world's largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, BYD's mission is to create safer and more environmentally-friendly battery technologies. This has resulted in the BYD Iron Phosphate Battery, a fire-safe, completely recyclable, and incredibly long-cycle technology — the foundation of BYD's clean energy platforms.
ABOUT the City of Lancaster:
The City of Lancaster is a thriving community of more than 158,600 in northern Los Angeles County. Clean air, attainable housing, wide open spaces, and a close-knit community make Lancaster an ideal place for families. A low cost of doing business, endless potential for growth, and a strong commitment to business from local leaders has twice earned Lancaster the Eddy Award for “Most Business-Friendly City” in Los Angeles County from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. In addition, Lancaster boasts more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it the ideal place to pioneer new solar energy technologies. No matter how you look at it, it's positively clear that Lancaster is the perfect place to live, work and play.