Key facts
- BYD is developing a new electric minicar for international markets, including Europe.
- The new model will use technologies from BYD's Racco kei car, launched in Japan.
- The Racco has already received over 1,000 orders in Japan.
- BYD aims to succeed in the Japanese market where other global automakers have struggled.
Chinese automaker BYD is set to develop a new electric minicar for international markets, including Europe, by adapting technologies from its Racco model, which was specifically designed for Japan's kei car segment. The Racco, launched in July, has already attracted more than 1,000 orders in Japan. This move signifies BYD's ambition to penetrate markets where other global manufacturers like General Motors, Ford, and Hyundai have previously retreated after struggling to compete with domestic carmakers. BYD is betting that its specialized approach to the popular and uniquely Japanese kei car category will enable it to break this pattern.