Runner Automobiles PLC is set to manufacture cars of Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD in Bangladesh, marking a strategic shift for the company beyond its traditional two- and three-wheeler business.
Runner has completed a technical agreement with BYD following a feasibility study, paving the way for local production of BYD electric cars.
The company will invest in factory expansion and machinery for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, according to a disclosure on the website of the Dhaka Stock Exchange recently.
The move comes as Runner’s financial performance is recovering from a sharp downturn. Standalone revenue rose 28 percent to Tk 563 crore in FY2024-25, while operating profit increased to Tk 110 crore. Net profit recovered to Tk 7 crore from a loss of Tk 70 crore in FY2022-23.
However, high financial expenses continue to weigh on earnings, making the EV investment both a growth opportunity and a financial challenge.
