STORY: BYD launches 3rd EV model in Japan
SHOOTING TIME: June 25, 2024/Earlier footage
DATELINE: June 26, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:25
LOCATION: Tokyo
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the press conference
2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese): ATSUKI TOFUKUJI, President of BYD Auto Japan
3. various of BYD SEAL

STORYLINE:

Chinese automaker BYD on Tuesday unveiled its third electric vehicle (EV), the SEAL, in Japan, as the company marches into the country's sedan market.

The SEAL will be available in two versions, both with a battery capacity of 82.56 kWh, according to BYD Auto Japan Inc. at a press conference in Tokyo.

The base model, priced at 5.28 million yen (about 33,110 U.S. dollars), offers a driving range of about 640 kilometers, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version went on sale at 6.05 million yen with a driving range of 575 kilometers.

Deliveries are expected by the end of July for the base model and the end of August for the AWD version.

Highlighting safety, sporty performance, and comfort, the newly introduced sedan features BYD's "blade battery," known for its long range, high energy density, and extended lifespan.

Positioned as an "e-sport sedan," the SEAL for Japan marks BYD's aim at the local sedan market, said Atsuki Tofukuji, president of BYD Auto Japan, adding that he hoped the introduction of this model will significantly boost sales in the third and fourth quarters of the year.

SOUNDBITE (Japanese): ATSUKI TOFUKUJI, President of BYD Auto Japan
"BYD plans to launch a new model in Japan every year. We want to become a frontrunner in EV imports to Japan."

Back in 2015, BYD's initial delivery of electric buses in Kyoto marked its official entry into Japan. Since announcing its entry into the Japanese passenger car market in 2022, BYD has introduced two models, the DOLPHIN, a compact car, and the Atto 3, an SUV, aiming to provide Japanese customers with a wide range of vehicle experience.

BYD, which now runs 55 locations across the country, plans to increase the total to 90 by the end of the year.

Japan remains a significant global automotive market with a relatively low EV penetration rate. In response to the global push towards decarbonization, the Japanese government has set a target for all new car sales to be electric by 2035 and has introduced policies to support the transition to EVs.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tokyo.
(XHTV)