While there is speculation that the popular Korean kei car Ray could be adapted for the Japanese market, delivery delays have become more serious in South Korea, and differences in vehicle standards mean it is not expected to be launched immediately.
The Korean-market kei car Ray, which is similar to Japan’s kei-car models, has increased sales since 2021 and added a BEV in 2023. At 3595 mm in length, 1595 mm in width and 1700–1710 mm in height, it is slightly larger than Japan’s kei-car dimensions.
The ICE version of the Ray is said to start at approximately KRW 14.8 million, while the BEV starts at approximately KRW 28.07 million. The introduction of the BEV is viewed as a factor behind the increase in sales.
South Korea’s total annual new-vehicle sales were approximately 594,360 units as of 2025. Delivery delays for the Ray have been reported at approximately 10 months for the ICE version and approximately 8 months for the BEV.
An immediate launch in Japan is not currently anticipated, but 15 years have passed since the model’s debut, and the possibility of a transition to the next model and consideration of a version adapted for the Japanese market may arise.