BYD has officially launched RACCO, its first model developed specifically for the Japanese market, marking the company’s entry into Japan’s highly competitive kei car segment.
The launch was marked by a series of events held across Japan, attended by BYD Group Vice President Liu Xueliang, who unveiled the new model alongside Atsuki Tofukuji, Head of Passenger Vehicles at BYD Japan; Yang Buyi, RACCO Project Leader; and Hirohide Tagawa, Head of Japan Planning.
During the launch, BYD highlighted RACCO’s safety, interior space, convenience and other features designed around the everyday mobility needs of Japanese consumers. The company said the model reflects its efforts to develop products tailored to specific local markets.
RACCO is BYD’s first vehicle developed specifically to meet the requirements of an overseas market and is described by the company as the first mass-produced pure electric vehicle from an overseas automaker designed exclusively to comply with Japan’s kei car regulations.
Kei cars are a distinctive Japanese vehicle category subject to strict requirements covering vehicle dimensions, engine size and power. The segment accounts for approximately 40% of new vehicle sales in Japan, making it a significant part of the country’s automotive market.
To develop RACCO, BYD leveraged its global research and development capabilities while tailoring the vehicle to Japan’s regulations, road conditions and consumer expectations. The development process covered areas including vehicle architecture, battery technology, electric drive systems, chassis engineering and safety.
The launch represents BYD’s entry into Japan’s largest automotive segment and marks another step in the company’s global small electric vehicle strategy. It also reflects a shift in BYD’s international expansion approach, from simply exporting products towards localized research, development and innovation.
Commenting on the model’s potential for Sri Lanka, John Keells CG Auto Chief Executive Officer Charith Panditharatne said RACCO’s combination of a compact exterior and spacious interior could appeal to local consumers.
He said the company is exploring how RACCO, or a version adapted for the Sri Lankan market, could potentially be incorporated into BYD’s growing local vehicle lineup, while also assessing the appropriate timing for its introduction.
Cargills Food City and Shakthi FM Join Hands to Bring Devotees Together for ‘Nallur Pilgrimage’
In a gesture of community engagement during the Nallur festival season, Cargills Food City, together with Shakthi FM, brought devotion and community spirit together through the special initiative ‘Nallur Pilgrimage’.
Held from September 5 to 9, the initiative offered devotees a complimentary double-decker bus service between Cargills Square in Jaffna and the Nallur Devasthanam, providing a convenient way for worshippers to travel to the temple while being part of a shared spiritual experience.
The initiative officially commenced with a special ceremony at Cargills Food City in Wellawatte on September 4. The ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by religious blessings to mark the start of the journey to Jaffna. Chief Operating Officer Indika Perera and Operations Manager Vinoth Punithavel joined representatives of Shakthi FM at the event.
During the journey from Wellawatte to Jaffna, the pilgrimage group stopped at several places of worship, including the Maravilai Murugan Temple and Murukandy Murugan Temple, to receive blessings. A bhajan group also accompanied the journey, with devotional songs contributing to the spiritual atmosphere.
The pilgrimage bus was welcomed at Cargills Food City outlets in Vavuniya and Kilinochchi, where regional teams gathered to greet the devotees and participate in the occasion. The welcomes reflected the sense of community and togetherness that remained at the heart of the initiative.
The first stage of the pilgrimage concluded at Cargills Square in Jaffna. From September 5 to 9, the complimentary double-decker service operated between Cargills Square and the Nallur Devasthanam, enabling devotees to travel conveniently to the temple during the festival period.
Adding to the atmosphere, the bus was specially decorated and featured bhajan sessions throughout the initiative, while Shakthi FM supported the programme across its various activities.
The ‘Nallur Pilgrimage’ was further promoted through digital, television, radio and on-ground activations, extending the initiative’s reach and creating a shared experience for communities in Jaffna and beyond.
BYD Enters Japan’s Small Vehicle Market with the Launch of RACCO
