Key facts
- BYD will sell its Racco electric minicar in Sri Lanka and Macao.
- The Racco was designed to meet Japan's 'kei' car specifications.
- BYD has received over 1,000 orders for the Racco in Japan.
- BYD aims to penetrate the Japanese kei car market.
Chinese automaker BYD announced on Sunday that it will bring its Racco electric minicar, originally designed to meet Japan's stringent 'kei' car specifications, to other markets. Initial sales are planned for Sri Lanka and Macao. The Racco is BYD's attempt to enter the Japanese market, a segment where major global automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Hyundai have previously struggled and retreated. The 'kei' car category is the most popular and uniquely Japanese segment of the market, with strict regulations on vehicle size. BYD has already seen significant interest, attracting over 1,000 orders for the Racco in Japan within its first few weeks of unveiling.