Chinese automaker BYD unveiled the Racco, Japan’s first kei EV. The press briefing in Tokyo was packed with members of the media, and the company announced an initial annual sales target of 10,000 units.
Chinese automaker BYD is launching the Racco, an EV designed for Japan’s kei-car segment, in the Japanese market. The press briefing was held in Tokyo on the morning of 28 July and attracted considerable attention, with the venue filled to capacity and some attendees standing.
BYD Vice President Liu Xueliang (劉学亮) stressed that the company aims to expand the EV market through Japan’s kei-car market. Meanwhile, Tofukuji Atsuki (東福寺厚樹), president of BYD Auto Japan, said that any expansion of the lineup would depend on market conditions.
As an indication of the Japanese market’s scale, kei cars account for approximately 1.3 million, or 34%, of the roughly 3.84 million passenger-car registrations in Japan, raising expectations for Racco’s market opportunity.
BYD has set an initial annual sales target of 10,000 Racco units and is expected to consider introducing kei EVs other than Racco in the future.