China’s BYD marks debut in Japan with launch of ATTO 3 EV

Chinese automaker BYD Co.’s ATTO 3 electric SUV went on sale at 20 locations in Japan to mark its debut in the country.

It later opened its first dealership in Japan in Yokohama

The world’s second-largest electric-vehicle maker’s showroom, BYD Auto Tomei Yokohama, will be jointly run with a local auto dealer near the Yokohama-Machida Interchange off the Tomei Expressway.

A second outlet will open on Feb. 23 in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture.

According to Atsuki Tofukuji, president of BYD Auto Japan, they can finally offer new options in Japan’s automotive market.

The Shenzhen-based manufacturer plans to set up over 100 dealerships across Japan by the end of 2025. Tofukuji is already working on the details with 33 locations.

In February 2022, BYD launched the ATTO 3 in China. Later, sales were expanded to other markets, including Australia and Thailand.

The carmaker also plans to release two other models in Japan: the Seal sedan in the second half of 2023 and a tiny car named the Dolphin in the middle of 2023.