Japanese retail giant Aeon clarifies BYD partnership: limited-time promotion, no long-term sales plans
Japanese retail giant Aeon has issued a clarification regarding recent reports of a partnership with Chinese EV manufacturer BYD. In a statement released on October 22, Aeon addressed “partial errors” in information it had previously provided, stating that its involvement with BYD vehicles is limited to a temporary promotional event.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting a long-term sales collaboration and the establishment of permanent sales outlets within Aeon’s commercial facilities, the company clarified that its plans for BYD vehicles are restricted to a “limited-time promotional activity” scheduled for November. During this period, Aeon will facilitate vehicle displays and act as an intermediary for purchase contracts.
Aeon explicitly stated that none of its group companies intend to establish permanent sales outlets as a primary sales entity or to enter the import and sales sector on a long-term basis.
The retail group acknowledged the need to review its internal information dissemination mechanisms to ensure accurate and timely communication in the future. Further details regarding the specific content of the upcoming promotional event will be announced separately.
This clarification comes after reports on October 21 suggested that Aeon would collaborate with BYD on sales by 2025, initially setting up sales points in approximately 30 commercial facilities and general supermarkets across Japan. These reports also indicated a unique discount strategy, potentially allowing consumers to purchase BYD vehicles starting at around 2 million Japanese Yen (93,114 yuan or 13,080 USD).
Editor’s comment
The entry of a major overseas EV player was anticipated to potentially disrupt Japan’s traditional automotive distribution framework, which is largely dominated by manufacturer-affiliated dealerships.
However, BYD’s entry into Japan seems unstoppable. Its K-Car is set to debut in Tokyo within the next few days. This model boasts a WLTC range of 180 kilometres, which is sufficient for daily needs. Let’s wait and see if it can become a competitive pure electric product in the Kei Car segment.
Source: Aeon
