Japan’s imported EV sales increased by 9% in February, BYD increased by 21%

Data released by the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA) on March 6 showed that the sales of imported cars (excluding Japanese manufacturers) in February were 18,601 units, a year-on-year increase of 4%. Pure electric vehicles (EV) have increased for four consecutive months, accounting for 10% of the total imported cars. China’s BYD (BYD) and the United States’ Tesla’s sales exceeded the same period last year, pushing up pure electric vehicle sales.

Japan’s imported EV sales in February were 1,871 units, an increase of 9%. Among them, BYD was 221 units, an increase of 21%. In January, BYD’s sales decreased by 75% due to the suspension of new car exports to Japan, and it was once in a slump. BYD’s head said that “supply has been resumed and delivery is progressing smoothly.” Tesla did not announce its sales in Japan, but the sales of “other car companies” (Tesla accounts for the majority) were 549 units, an increase of 42%.

Overall sales of imported cars have increased for two consecutive months. By brand, Germany’s Mercedes-Benz decreased by 14% to 3,590 units, but still ranked first. The second place is Volkswagen of Germany, which increased by 16% to 2,836 units, and the third place is BMW of Germany, which increased by 52% to 2,783 units.

In terms of the price of passenger cars, there are 2,924 vehicles with a price of 10 million yen (about 487,000 yuan) or more, a decrease of 3%, 11,256 vehicles with a price of 4 million yen (about 195,000 yuan) or more and less than 10 million yen, an increase of 14%, and 3,641 vehicles with a price of less than 4 million yen, a decrease of 17%.