BYD has officially surpassed Toyota in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Japan for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the Chinese automaker in its push into overseas markets.
In 2024, BYD sold 2,223 electric cars in Japan, outperforming Toyota’s 2,038 units, according to the Japan Automobile Dealer Association.
This achievement is especially notable considering Toyota’s historic dominance in its home market. BYD’s sales were up 54% from 2023, while Toyota’s EV sales dropped by 30% year-over-year.
The Chinese automaker, which entered Japan in early 2023, has quickly gained traction with its competitive pricing and models, such as the Atto 3 SUV, which starts at around $30,000, and the Dolphin hatchback, priced from 2.99 million yen ($19,000).
The success of BYD’s Seal sedan, which debuted in June 2023 and has been a top-selling imported EV in Japan, further underscores the company’s growing influence. Starting at 5.28 million yen ($33,500), the Seal directly competes with models like the Tesla Model 3.
Despite a 33% decline in Japan’s overall EV market in 2024, BYD’s strong performance comes as the company plans to launch additional models in 2025, including the Sealion 07, a new smart mid-size electric SUV.
Source: Car News China