China’s FAW Group is planning to start selling its vehicles in Japan next year and is looking to establish itself as a key EV player in the local market.
Local media notes that Japanese car manufacturers haven’t moved fast enough to meet demand for electrified vehicles and that FAW will use this as an opportunity to establish itself. The first model it will sell in Japan will be a hybrid SUV under the Hongqi brand that will be followed up by an electric variant.
Watch Also: The Hongqi E-HS9 Proves The Chinese Can Make A Luxurious Electric SUV
Nikkei Asia doesn’t report if this will be an all-new model for the Japanese market but presumably, it will be either the existing HS5, HS7, or E-HS9. It is understood the vehicle will set back buyers at least 11 million yen ($96,700) before taxes and offer an all-electric range of up to 690 km (429 miles), suggesting that it is likely the flagship E-HS9, a luxurious SUV that FAW also plans to export to Europe.
It is also understood that FAW will modify the vehicle to comply with Japanese charging standards.
Marking the automaker’s arrival in Japan will be the opening of its first local dealership, located in JR Namba Station in Osaka City. It will also open a store in Tokyo next year and plans to expand to other cities as well.
A number of other companies are venturing into the Japanese market. For example, fellow Chinese carmaker BYD recently started selling EVs in Japan and is considering starting a new division in the country.