As Chinese automakers continue to expand their share of the global automotive market, BYD has launched the “Rakko” kei EV in Japan. Prices start at ¥2.145 million, or an effective ¥1.995 million after government subsidies. The article examines market trends in Japan by comparing the Rakko’s specifications and pricing with those of competing models, the Sakura and N-ONE e:.
Global sales by Japan’s 8 major passenger-car manufacturers in the first half of this year fell 2.3% year on year, with 6 companies below their sales levels for the same period a year earlier. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are continuing to gain ground, and in Australia, Chinese vehicles have overtaken Japanese vehicles in sales.
BYD, China’s largest automaker, launched the Rakko kei EV in Japan on 28 July. The entry-level model is priced at ¥2.145 million, falling to an effective ¥1.995 million after the ¥150,000 EV subsidy for imported vehicles is applied.
The Rakko has an exterior closely resembling the N-BOX, and all models come equipped with power sliding doors on both sides. The Sakura starts at approximately ¥1.87 million after subsidies, but the Rakko offers a range of 210 km to 320 km, exceeding the Sakura’s 180 km.
Against the backdrop of the rise of Chinese EV manufacturers, including the arrival of the Rakko, some observers say Japanese automakers need to carefully assess their prospects over the next decade or so.