Tokyo, June 25, 2024, The Europe Today: Chinese automaker BYD introduced its third electric vehicle (EV), the SEAL, to the Japanese market on Tuesday, marking a significant step into the country’s sedan segment. BYD Auto Japan Inc. announced the SEAL’s nationwide retail launch during a press conference in Tokyo.
The SEAL will be available in two versions, both equipped with an 82.56 kWh battery. The base model is priced at 5.28 million yen (approximately 33,110 U.S. dollars) and offers a driving range of about 640 kilometers. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, retailing at 6.05 million yen, boasts a range of 575 kilometers. Deliveries are expected by the end of July for the base model and the end of August for the AWD version.
The new sedan emphasizes safety, sporty performance, and comfort, featuring BYD’s innovative “blade battery.” This battery is renowned for its long range, high energy density, and extended lifespan, positioning the SEAL as an “e-sport sedan” tailored for the Japanese market.
Atsuki Tofukuji, president of BYD Auto Japan, expressed optimism about the SEAL’s potential impact on local sales. “We aim for this model to significantly boost our sales in the third and fourth quarters of the year,” Tofukuji said. He highlighted BYD’s strategic focus on the sedan market in Japan.
Tomoaki Endo, director of marketing at BYD Auto Japan, noted that extensive market research was conducted to ensure the SEAL meets the needs of Japanese consumers. This effort is intended to facilitate a seamless transition for customers moving from conventional hybrid or traditional vehicles to EVs.
BYD’s foray into the Japanese market began in 2015 with the delivery of electric buses in Kyoto. Since its announcement in 2022 to enter the Japanese passenger car market, BYD has introduced two models: the DOLPHIN, a compact car, and the Atto 3, an SUV. These models aim to offer Japanese consumers a diverse vehicle experience.
Tofukuji also announced BYD’s plans to launch a new model in Japan every year, reinforcing the company’s ambition to become a leading EV importer in the country. BYD currently operates 55 locations across Japan and plans to expand this number to 90 by the end of the year.
Japan, a significant global automotive market with a relatively low EV penetration rate, is accelerating its transition to electric vehicles. The Japanese government has set a target for all new car sales to be electric by 2035 and has implemented policies to support this shift. As of today, one U.S. dollar equals 159.45 Japanese yen.
