On the 17th, Chinese media Global Times published an article stating that the 'attention to detail' of China-origin light electric vehicles (EVs) is shocking Japan.

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The article reported that the new light EV 'RACCO' developed by Chinese EV giant BYD for the Japanese market has received 1,000 orders in two weeks, causing an unprecedented impact on Japan's light vehicle market.

It then introduced Japan's unique vehicle standard for light vehicles, which sets several conditions such as a total length of 3.40 meters or less and a total height of 2 meters or less. For a long time, this market has been dominated by domestic brands such as Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Honda, who have secured over 95% market share by developing vehicles meticulously tailored to road conditions and user needs. However, many other Chinese automakers are reportedly aiming to enter this market, either directly or through joint ventures, and these moves by Chinese manufacturers are not only creating competition over sales volume but also causing strong concern among Japanese public opinion and industry that the 'defense line of attention to detail' might be broken through.

The article introduced how the meticulous considerations for the Japanese market, such as an umbrella holder designed to prevent water drops from wet umbrellas from seeping into the floor and a cup holder that can keep baby milk warm, which are installed in BYD's RACCO, have become a topic of discussion among Japanese motor journalists.

It then quoted Chinese industry insider Zhou Xiaoyang (Zhou Xiaoyang) as saying, 'Chinese automakers are increasingly confident in conquering specific segments of mature overseas markets, backed by top-tier technological capabilities in new energy vehicles and cost advantages from a comprehensive supply chain. Even under the strict constraints of dimensions and engine displacement defined by Japan's light vehicle standards, their ability to launch feature-rich vehicles clearly demonstrates the high level of Chinese manufacturers' technological and design capabilities.' (Translation/Editing by Yanagawa)