Author: Ryo Suzuki

China’s new energy vehicle maker BYD plans to expand its sales network in Japan by opening smaller, simplified dealerships, as it prepares to launch the Racco mini electric vehicle tailored for the local kei car market. BYD aims to accelerate network growth by establishing “mini dealerships” that display only one or two models, according to a report by Nikkei Asia on Monday. The outlets are expected to be located in regional cities with populations below 500,000, allowing faster setup and lower operating costs. “We intend to cover small, regional commercial areas in order to sell mini EVs,” Atsuki Tofukuji, president…

Japan’s defense procurement agency has selected autonomous driving software developer TIER IV to study the use of self-driving vehicles at Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) facilities, as the country looks to address mounting workforce challenges linked to its aging population. The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), an independent body under Japan’s Ministry of Defense, said the study will evaluate whether autonomous vehicles can be deployed at maritime air bases to support ground operations such as aircraft towing and material transport. See also: TIER IV and JR Central Form Alliance to Advance Autonomous Mobility Around Rail Hubs ATLA said the assessment…

Toyota Motor said it has appointed its current chief financial officer, Kenta Kon, as president and chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2026, as part of a broader management reshuffle at the world’s largest carmaker by sales. Kon, 57, will succeed Koji Sato, who will move into the role of vice-chairman and chief industrial officer while remaining on the board of directors. Toyota said Sato will focus on industry-wide initiatives and competitiveness, while Kon will assume responsibility for internal corporate leadership and execution. See also: Idemitsu Backs Solid-State Battery Push With New Pilot Plant for Toyota EVs Kon has spent…

Subaru has begun in-house production of its first globally marketed battery-electric vehicle at its Gunma Yajima plant in Japan, marking a milestone in the automaker’s electrification strategy. The vehicle entering production is the mid-size Trailseeker EV, which will be sold in Europe as the e-Outback. Subaru said the start of manufacturing follows plant upgrades completed in January, allowing battery-electric, hybrid and petrol vehicles to be built on a single mixed-production line. See also: Subaru Starts U.S. Hybrid Production With 2026 Forester at Indiana Plant The move represents Subaru’s first internal production of a full battery-electric model. Its earlier electric vehicle,…

Toyota Motor Corporation has launched a battery-electric version of its Pixis Van kei commercial vehicle in Japan, aiming to capture demand from last-mile logistics operators as electrification accelerates in the country’s light commercial segment. Sales of the Pixis Van BEV began on Feb. 2, 2026, Toyota said. The model delivers a cruising range of 257 kilometres under Japan’s WLTC test cycle from a 36.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, which Toyota says is the longest range currently offered among kei commercial van battery-electric vehicles. See also: Idemitsu Backs Solid-State Battery Push With New Pilot Plant for Toyota EVs The BEV powertrain was…

Japan’s second-largest oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan has taken a final investment decision and begun construction of a large pilot plant to produce solid electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, the company said on Thursday, marking a step forward in efforts to commercialise next-generation battery technology. The project is part of Idemitsu’s collaboration with Toyota Motor, which is targeting the launch of electric vehicles equipped with all-solid-state batteries in the 2027–2028 timeframe. Idemitsu said the decision moves the partnership into a new phase aimed at scaling up production capabilities. “This marks a move into the next phase toward commercialisation,” the company said.…

Japan’s Nissan has revealed a solar-powered concept version of its Ariya electric crossover, showcasing how vehicle-integrated photovoltaic technology could supplement battery charging and support the company’s long-term carbon-neutrality ambitions. The Ariya concept features 3.8 square metres of high-efficiency solar panels integrated into the hood, roof and tailgate. Developed in partnership with Dutch solar mobility firm Lightyear, the system converts sunlight directly into direct-current power, which is managed by a dedicated controller to optimise energy use and reduce dependence on external charging infrastructure. See also: 2025 Nissan Ariya Earns Marginal Rating for Rear Passenger Safety in IIHS Crash Test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVjG-7ii8lk According…

Mitsubishi Fuso has entered a close collaboration with Taiwan’s Foxconn to establish a joint venture focused on electric buses in Japan, confirming earlier expectations of a partnership between the two groups. The joint venture will develop and market zero-emission buses initially for the Japanese market and is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2026. It will operate as an independent bus original equipment manufacturer, with Katsuto Kora, currently head of Fuso’s bus division, appointed as chief executive of the new company. Through their respective subsidiaries Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing and Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, the partners will combine…

The global automotive industry is entering a period of strategic uncertainty. China, the world’s largest car market, continues to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids at an accelerating pace. In contrast, Europe has begun easing pressure on manufacturers as EV adoption lags earlier expectations, while the United States shows uneven demand across regions. Against this backdrop, Toyota stands apart. While many rivals committed early to all-electric roadmaps, Toyota has consistently argued for a diversified approach, maintaining that internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles will coexist for decades. That stance was underscored by the unveiling of the GR…

FedEx said it is adding 17 electric delivery trucks to its fleet in Japan, deploying the vehicles on last-mile routes in major metropolitan areas as part of its global electrification strategy and in support of the country’s climate goals. The rollout includes two Japanese-made light-duty electric trucks — the Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter and the Isuzu Motors ELF EV — which will be used for regular pickup and delivery operations in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka. Each vehicle offers a payload capacity of about 1.5 tonnes, FedEx said. See also: Harbinger Raises $160 Million Series C as FedEx Orders 53 Electric Truck…

Tesla recorded its strongest year ever in Japan in 2025, nearly doubling vehicle deliveries after expanding its retail footprint and revamping how it sells and supports customers in the country. According to data from the Japan Automobile Importers Association, Tesla sold about 10,600 vehicles in Japan last year, up roughly 90% from 2024 and well above its previous peak of around 5,900 units in 2022. See also: Japan Weighs Charging Station Subsidies for Tesla Amid Trade Talks with U.S. The performance contrasts sharply with Tesla’s global results. Worldwide deliveries fell 9% to 1.63 million vehicles in 2025, while sales in…

Honda will introduce a redesigned “H mark” on its next-generation electric vehicles and major hybrid models starting in 2027, underscoring the Japanese automaker’s strategic focus on electrification as the global car industry undergoes rapid technological change. The new emblem will first appear on Honda’s upcoming EVs, including models from the Honda 0 Series, before being rolled out more broadly across dealerships, corporate communications and the company’s automobile motorsport activities. Honda said the phased introduction reflects the central role electrified vehicles will play in its future portfolio. See also: American Honda 2025 Sales Lifted by Record Electrified and Hybrid Vehicle Demand…