Summary
BYD launched the new ATTO 3 EX and simultaneously opened a new store in Asahikawa, underscoring how the China-based EV maker is intensifying its push into the Japanese market. Going beyond a simple model launch, the company is expanding its physical footprint through retail openings, which reflects its commitment. The steady expansion of a dedicated EV manufacturer's sales network is quietly but surely reshaping the competitive landscape in the domestic market.
Details
Domestic automakers, however, were far from passive. Toyota stood out in new vehicle sales and model rankings in Japan from late September to early October, and it raised its visibility by taking part in a car lifestyle event held in Nakano. Honda's N-BOX continued to draw attention, staying near the top of model rankings and reaffirming its dominant sales strength in the kei car segment. Suzuki was also reported to have recorded a significant increase in domestic new vehicle sales in August, with its strength in the light and small car segments standing out. Among foreign brands, Volkswagen unveiled the new ID. Tiguan while expanding its touchpoints through nationwide pop-up events centered on the ID. series, continuing to promote the shift to EVs among domestic consumers. Behind these new vehicle and sales headlines, players seeking to change the very nature of mobility were also on the move. LUUP is steadily advancing the establishment of electric kick scooter shared mobility through a safety training session on September 30 and expanded operations in Saitama City. HELLO CYCLING reached a milestone of 6 million members in September, solidifying its position as one of the largest bike-sharing services in the country. In telecommunications, povo continues its limited-time data topping campaign and remains in the spotlight, resonating with consumers who are rethinking their car travel and mobile contracts. In the accessories sector, Autobacs opened a used car accessories store on October 1, showing a broad-based strategy that serves demand for both new and used vehicles.
- 1BYD launched the new ATTO 3 EX and simultaneously opened a new store in Asahikawa, underscoring how the China-based EV maker is intensifying its push into the Japanese market.
- 2LUUP is steadily advancing the establishment of electric kick scooter shared mobility through a safety training session on September 30 and expanded operations in Saitama City.
- 3HELLO CYCLING reached a milestone of 6 million members in September, solidifying its position as one of the largest bike-sharing services in the country.
- 4In the accessories sector, Autobacs opened a used car accessories store on October 1, showing a broad-based strategy that serves demand for both new and used vehicles.
- 5Going beyond a simple model launch, the company is expanding its physical footprint through retail openings, which reflects its commitment.
Conclusion
At the forefront of new vehicle sales, emerging players like BYD and domestic automakers are each demonstrating their strengths, while shared mobility, the option of "not owning" a vehicle, is steadily gaining presence. Interest in EVs, strong enduring demand for kei cars, and the diversification of mobility services are progressing in parallel, and today's automotive market is beginning to show multilayered dynamics that cannot be captured by simple sales volume competition alone.