BYD, the world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer and the number one brand in Sri Lanka’s emerging NEV segment, has announced the arrival of its latest model, the BYD RACCO, in partnership with its authorised local distributor, John Keells CG Auto. Following its Japanese debut in July, Sri Lanka becomes the first market outside Japan to introduce the new model.
In a landmark move for Sri Lanka’s automotive industry, the RACCO was launched simultaneously in Colombo, Kandy and Galle on the same day. The three-city launch represents a first for the local automotive sector, demonstrating BYD’s commitment to making the model accessible to customers across the country from the outset, rather than focusing exclusively on a single market.
The RACCO enters Sri Lanka following a promising start in Japan, a market renowned for its demanding automotive standards. Designed specifically to comply with Japan’s KEI car regulations, the model combines safety, efficiency and intelligent space utilisation in a compact design. Since its introduction in Japan, the RACCO has recorded sales exceeding 1,500 units, reflecting encouraging consumer demand.
BYD and John Keells CG Auto anticipate that the vehicle’s compact exterior and spacious, carefully designed interior will appeal to Sri Lankan motorists. Its practical design and efficient use of space are intended to meet the needs of drivers navigating urban environments and local roads, while offering the versatility required for everyday use.
Speaking at the launch, Charith Panditharatne, Chief Executive Officer of John Keells CG Auto, said, “With RACCO, BYD is entering the KEI car segment in Sri Lanka, a category that is already very popular with Sri Lankan buyers. At its heart, RACCO is a family vehicle: it is cost-effective to own and run, yet highly specified to meet a household’s daily needs and the demands of small businesses. That versatility allows us to cater to both personal and commercial needs, as we continue to make new energy mobility solutions accessible to more Sri Lankan customers.”
The BYD RACCO is now available through BYD showrooms in Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle, Ampara, Ratnapura, Moratuwa, Negombo, Batticaloa and Jaffna. Customers across these locations can experience the model firsthand, following its growing presence in Japan.
The introduction of the RACCO marks another milestone in BYD’s ongoing expansion in Sri Lanka, further strengthening its commitment to the local market and supporting the country’s transition towards new energy mobility solutions.