- BYD Japan’s website today showcased the K-Car model, which will make its debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 starting October 30.
- K-Cars are mini cars unique to the Japanese market, designed specifically to accommodate Japan’s narrow roads and resource constraints.
BYD (HKG: 1211) previewed a model targeting Japan’s popular segment as it intensifies efforts in the market dominated by Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
BYD Japan’s website today showcased a new model, stating it will debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 starting October 30.
The company shared a side view image of the model, revealing styling reminiscent of Japan’s popular K-Cars.
K-Cars are mini cars exclusive to the Japanese market, designed to navigate narrow roads and resource constraints.
Typically under 3.4 meters long, less than 1.48 meters wide, and capped at 64 horsepower.
They benefit from policy incentives in Japan, including lower purchase taxes, making them a top choice for second cars among urban families.
Notable K-Cars currently available in Japan include the Nissan Sakura, which starts at 2,599,300 yen ($17,120) in Japan.
Over the past year, spy photos of BYD’s K-Car have repeatedly surfaced on Chinese social media.
Some local media reports suggest the BYD K-Car model may feature a 20-kWh battery pack delivering a WLTC range of 180 kilometers.
In June this year, a BYD Japan executive said the company would launch a pure electric vehicle compliant with K-Car standards in Japan during the second half of 2026.
BYD announced its entry into Japan’s passenger vehicle market in July 2022 and began sales there in January 2023, with the Atto 3 compact electric SUV as its first model.
The company registered 416 vehicles in Japan in May, marking its first appearance among the top 10 best-selling imported car brands in Japan.
On August 4, BYD announced its cumulative passenger vehicle sales in Japan had surpassed 5,000 units.
($1 = 151.8 yen)
