日经中文网·2025-07-17 03:31Core Viewpoint - BYD is aggressively expanding its presence in the Japanese commercial vehicle market, leveraging its experience and production advantages to challenge local competitors, particularly in the light-duty electric vehicle (EV) segment. Group 1: Market Entry and Strategy - BYD entered the Japanese market in 2005 and established a local subsidiary, acquiring technology through the purchase of a major Japanese automotive mold company in 2010 [3]. - The company plans to enter the Japanese truck market by 2026, focusing on light-duty vehicles, which are classified as micro and small in Japan [4]. - BYD aims to become the leading importer of vehicles in Japan, with a strong emphasis on commercial vehicles, particularly light-duty trucks [5]. Group 2: Sales Performance and Market Dynamics - BYD's global sales of commercial vehicles surged to 27,726 units from January to May, a sixfold increase compared to the same period last year [5]. - The company is responding to intense competition in the Chinese automotive market by reducing prices, such as cutting the price of its small EV "Seagull" by 20% [5][6]. - In May 2023, BYD's new car sales reached 382,476 units, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth, although the growth rate has slowed since March 2024 [6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Japanese automakers have launched fewer than 20 EV models, indicating a lag in the EV market compared to BYD [7]. - Major Japanese companies are developing their own light-duty commercial EVs, with plans to launch by 2025, highlighting the competitive pressure BYD will face [8]. - The success of BYD in Japan could set a precedent for expansion into other global markets, particularly if it can overcome local safety and performance expectations [8].