Runner Automobiles PLC has said the financial implications and investment size of its planned electric vehicle (EV) assembly partnership with BYD Auto Industry Company are still under evaluation, following a query from the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

In a disclosure on Sunday, the company said the “Master Supply and Manufacturing Agreement” (MSMA) signed with BYD serves as a framework for a completely knocked down (CKD) manufacturing arrangement and is currently being used to assess overall investment feasibility, implementation timeline and projected financial outcomes.

Responding to a DSE query, Runner Automobiles said detailed commercial, operational and financial parameters will be finalised through separate Technical License Agreements (TLAs) for each vehicle model.

“The final investment size, financial projections and related outcomes are currently under evaluation and are subject to confirmation from both the supplier (BYD) and the Board of Directors,” the company said.

It also noted that although the agreement was signed during a BYD conference in Shenzhen on March 20, 2025, it is still undergoing remaining legal formalities from BYD’s end, which are expected to be completed within five to six working days. The signed copy will be shared once received.

Earlier, the company announced plans to assemble BYD electric vehicles locally, aiming to bring them to market within the next year.

The board approved the agreement after reviewing the company’s current business situation, said Hafizur Rahman Khan, chairman of Runner Group.

Runner Automobiles plans to set up a manufacturing facility in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, to assemble and paint EVs with technical support from BYD, enabling production localisation and cost reduction.

The initiative is expected to open new opportunities in Bangladesh’s automotive sector through technology transfer and local manufacturing.