Japanese Automotive Media: BYD Hai Ta Will Launch This Summer, Threatening Domestic Automakers
Japanese automotive media "Automotive News" reported on February 12: BYD's Hai Ta will soon be launched in Japan, and it will directly compete with the best-selling mini cars of Japanese domestic automakers!
Mini cars are a unique standard model in Japan, and have been the territory of domestic manufacturers so far. However, BYD, a large Chinese automobile manufacturer, has developed the Hai Ta mini car specifically for the Japanese market, which is sure to cause a stir in the Japanese car market.
The dimensions of the Hai Ta are 3395 mm long × 1475 mm wide × 1800 mm high, almost equivalent to the popular Honda model "N-BOX," which is the most popular in the Japanese new car market.
The door configuration of the Hai Ta also highly considers the needs of the Japanese market. The front doors are common hinged doors, while both sides of the rear doors are sliding doors, which is the same as the standard style of Japanese mini minivans. The design primarily focuses on convenience and usability. The exterior design adopts a grilleless front face similar to electric vehicles, giving an overall simple and elegant look. At first glance, the prototype has a distinctive appearance, almost perfectly matching the Japanese market, even making people mistakenly think it is the work of a Japanese manufacturer.
The interior has also been thoroughly researched to meet the needs of the Japanese market. Both the driver and passenger seats have large storage spaces, and the backrests are equipped with armrests with cup holders, and their functions and equipment are no different from those of locally produced mini cars.
Two large liquid crystal panels are arranged around the instrument panel. One serves as the instrument panel, and the other as the display screen for the infotainment system. By integrating the operation of multiple devices, it has a high degree of usability and carefully designed features. It also comes with electric seat functions, increasing convenience. However, the interior may vary depending on the grade, so further announcements are needed.
The Hai Ta uses front-wheel drive, emphasizing maneuverability in urban areas. The power unit is planned to be equipped with two battery packs, allowing users to choose according to their actual needs.
The "Standard Edition" model is equipped with a battery of about 20 kWh, with a range exceeding 200 kilometers. For users mainly traveling short distances (such as daily shopping and commuting), this is sufficient. On the other hand, for those who need long-distance driving, there is also a "Long Range" model available. The battery capacity will be expanded to about 30kWh, and the estimated cruising range can exceed 300 kilometers. This range can meet the needs of weekend drives and short trips.
It is worth noting that in the mini car market, which has been monopolized by Japanese manufacturers so far, it remains to be seen whether BYD, as a foreign manufacturer, can win consumer support. Localized design, optional battery options, and competitive pricing make the Hai Ta expected to bring a fresh breeze to the Japanese market.
Mini cars account for nearly 40% of the passenger car market in Japan, and now it is about to face a major wave of change known as the "electric vehicle transition." However, there are currently no electric vehicle models in Japan that can directly compete with the Hai Ta.
BYD entering the mini electric vehicle market is expected to become a significant turning point for the Japanese automotive industry.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856896867863556/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.