BYD's Sales Remain Low in Japan: Exec.

Yokohama, June 1 (Jiji Press)--Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD Co. has sold a cumulative total of some 4,800 EVs in Japan, which is still a very small number, Atsuki Tofukuji, president of BYD's Japanese unit, said in a recent interview with Jiji Press.

As the automaker plans to release an electric minivehicle model in Japan next year, "We want many customers to come into contact with EV technology," Tofukuji said.

BYD entered the Japanese market in January 2023 and sold about 1,400 units in the first fiscal year. Its sales gradually increased and the number of its dealers in Japan is projected to reach around 80 by the end of this year.

However, Tofukuji pointed out that hybrid vehicles are popular in Japan and that the Japanese government's EV incentives are not sufficient, limiting the spread of EVs compared with other countries such as Thailand and South Korea. "We need to provide information and opportunities to drive EVs," he said.

The price of BYD's electric minivehicle to be launched next year is expected to be about 2.5 million yen.

Minivehicles are based on Japan's unique standards, which stipulate displacements to be 660 cc or less, for example. While the minivehicle standards are a high barrier to entry for foreign manufacturers, Tofukuji said that it would be easier to enter the market with EVs that run on motors rather than engines.
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