BYD has entered the top 10 list of best-selling imported car brands in Japan for the first time, driven by strong demand for its newly launched Sealion 7 electric SUV, the company said on Friday.
The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer registered 416 vehicles in Japan in May, a record monthly high that surpassed its previous peak of 353 units set in March. The surge in sales helped BYD secure a spot among the top 10 imported car brands in the country, according to data from the Japan Automobile Importers Association.
“The Sealion 7 electric SUV has significantly increased consumer awareness of the BYD brand and boosted customer visits to dealerships,” BYD Japan said in a statement. The model, known as the Sealion 07 EV in China, accounted for more than 240 units registered in May and has accumulated approximately 350 registrations since its local debut in April.
BYD, which entered the Japanese passenger car market in January 2023, initially launched the Atto 3 electric SUV, followed by the Dolphin compact EV in September 2023 and the Seal electric sedan in June 2024. The company’s latest model, the Sealion 7, is part of its broader effort to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets.
The record-breaking month was attributed to the strong market reception of the Sealion 7 and its effect on brand recognition, BYD Japan said. “The launch effect of the BYD Sealion 7 and the resulting brand enhancement” helped drive the new registrations, the company noted.
Looking ahead, BYD plans to expand its product offerings in Japan, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models expected later this year and lightweight battery electric vehicles (BEVs) slated for launch in the second half of 2026.