The Foreign Invasion: BYD, Hyundai, & Kia Make Their Mark at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show - CleanTechnica

The 2025 Japan Mobility Show marked a pivotal moment for Japan’s automotive industry, highlighting the growing influence of foreign electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, particularly Chinese and Korean brands. BYD, a Chinese EV giant, made a strong impression with a broad lineup of 13 vehicles, including eight passenger cars and five commercial vehicles, featuring multiple world and Japan premieres. This presence underscored a shift in Japan’s traditionally domestic-focused market, where loyalty to local brands has historically limited foreign car sales. BYD’s entry, especially with its new pure-electric kei car, the RACCO, challenges one of Japan’s most protected segments, signaling increased competition for domestic automakers like Toyota, which continues to emphasize hybrids and multi-fuel strategies. The BYD RACCO is a compact, four-door electric vehicle designed specifically for Japan’s kei car regulations, offering about 180 kilometers of range and fast-charging capabilities. Scheduled for release in summer 2026 at an estimated price of ¥2.5