BYD launches first kei minicar in Japan, challenging a domestic stronghold

AutomobilesChinese manufacturer aims to make splash with competitively priced modelBYD executives launch the all-electric Racco kei minicar in Tokyo on July 28. Standing at left is Liu Xueliang, BYD vice president and president of BYD Japan. At right is Atsuki Tofukuji, president of BYD Auto Japan. (Photo by Marie Yoshimura)YURIKA YONEDAJuly 28, 2026 14:49 JSTTOKYO -- Chinese automaker BYD started selling an electric kei minicar in Japan on Tuesday, underscoring how the country's unique vehicle segment long dominated by domestic automakers is beginning to face competition from overseas rivals.