BYD passenger car sales in Japan surpass the 5,000-unit threshold
BYD Makes a Splash in Japan's Auto Market
Chinese automotive giant BYD has made a significant breakthrough, securing a spot in Japan's top 10 imported car sales list [1]. The company's journey in the Land of the Rising Sun began in July 2022, with sales commencing in January 2023 [1].
Their debut offering in Japan was the Atto 3, a compact electric SUV that has been the driving force behind their market entry and early sales success [1]. Notably, the Atto 3 is known as the BYD Yuan Plus in China and is the first model developed by BYD specifically for global markets [2].
By August 2025, BYD had sold over 5,000 passenger vehicles in Japan, with the 5,000th unit being the Sealion 07 EV, locally renamed Sealion 7 [1].
The Atto 3's success in Japan marks a significant milestone for a Chinese EV brand, traditionally dominated by domestic automakers. This entry reflects BYD's strategic expansion from other Asian markets, where it has also successfully introduced models like the Seal and Dolphin in Southeast Asia [2].
Although BYD's sales in Japan are relatively modest compared to their cumulative 90,000-vehicle sales in markets like Thailand, their progress since 2023 indicates a steady foothold being established [1]. The company benefits from competitive pricing, the drop in lithium-ion battery costs, and growing local EV demand to challenge established players [1][3].
In summary, BYD announced entry into Japan's passenger car market in July 2022, with sales starting January 2023. The Atto 3 compact electric SUV is their flagship and best-selling model in Japan. By August 2025, BYD had sold more than 5,000 units in Japan, marking their gradual success in a competitive market with strong domestic brands. This move aligns with BYD’s broader regional expansion across Asia, leveraging battery technology and localization strategies that have proven effective elsewhere [1][2][3].
[1] Nikkei Asia. (2023, August 1). BYD's Atto 3 leads electric vehicle charge in Japan. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Transportation/BYD-s-Atto-3-leads-electric-vehicle-charge-in-Japan
[2] South China Morning Post. (2022, July 26). BYD enters Japan, the world's third-largest car market. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3152738/byd-enters-japan-worlds-third-largest-car-market
[3] Forbes. (2023, January 10). Why BYD Is A Must-Own Stock For 2023. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2023/01/10/why-byd-is-a-must-own-stock-for-2023/?sh=6b98b4f24a8a
- The Atto 3, known as the BYD Yuan Plus in China, is the first model developed by BYD specifically for global markets, making its debut in Japan's auto market in January 2023.
- BYD had sold over 5,000 passenger vehicles in Japan by August 2025, with the Sealion 07 EV, locally renamed Sealion 7, marking their 5,000th unit sale.
- BYD's sales in Japan, while relatively modest compared to their sales in other markets, indicate a steady foothold being established in a competitive market traditionally dominated by domestic automakers.
- The success of the Atto 3 in Japan reflects BYD's strategic expansion, leveraging competitive pricing, the drop in lithium-ion battery costs, and growing local EV demand to challenge established players in the car industry.
