After debuting in Japan earlier this year, the BYD Racco will launch in more Asian markets in the near future. According to Nikkei Asia, reservations have already opened in Macau, while in Sri Lanka, an official announcement will be shared on Friday.
The report further states that BYD will be prioritizing right-hand drive countries for the Racco’s international expansion. With that, a Philippine launch is now less likely, but BYD is keen on bringing its kei car outside of Japan.
In August, BYD shared that in just two weeks, over 1,000 orders were placed for the Racco in Japan. That number is reportedly closer to 2,000 now. While that may not seem like a lot, BYD Japan only recently delivered its 10,000th unit. The Chinese carmaker took about four years to achieve that milestone as it entered the Land of the Rising Sun in 2023.
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For further comparison, BYD Cars Philippines sold 28,399 units between January and August of this year. That figure has already surpassed its total sales for 2025, with four months left in 2026.
The Racco could shape up to be the difference-maker for BYD in Japan, given its instant popularity. While we do not have BYD’s sales performance in Macau and Sri Lanka, the brand may be looking to create a similar splash in those markets. The kei car is a Japanese niche, but an ultra-compact, capable, and affordable EV could help elevate BYD against other entry-level competition.
Now that BYD is pushing kei cars across the continent, should Honda, Nissan, and other Japanese carmakers start exporting their counterparts?
