Wednesday, September 16 2026
Wednesday, September 16 2026
MONETABRIEF - John Keells CG Auto, agents for China based electric automaker BYD, said its RACCO kei car that was just launched in Japan could enter Sri Lanka sometime in the future.
Kei (kei-jidōsha) are a class of ultra compact vehicles produced in Japan under specific size specification that are given some benefit as they take up less space in the roads and during parking.
RACCO is BYD's first vehicle developed specifically to suit the standards of an overseas market, the agents said.
About 40 percent of new cars sold in Japan are now made up of kei cars.
Kei cars, widely imported as used vehicles, are popular in Sri Lanka.
…[C]ompact on the outside, spacious inside, is exactly what resonates with Sri Lankan customers," JKCG Auto Chief Executive, Charith Panditharatne said in a statement.
"We're actively exploring how RACCO, or a version adapted for our market, could fit into BYD's growing lineup here, and looking at the right timing to bring that experience to Sri Lanka".
"Given the long-standing popularity of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles in Sri Lanka, BYD's entry into the kei car space has major implications for the Japanese market, as well as our own."
BYD has become the top selling electric vehicle brand in Sri Lanka, with hybrids also sold in the island.
JKCG Auto has built a network of charging stations, focusing around the John Keells group's retail chain. (Colombo/Sept16/2026)
| 3 month bill | 9.22% | 22bp ▼ |
| 12-m bill | 9.91% | 10bp ▼ |
| Gold (Ounce) | $4602 | - - |
Comments
Be the first person to comment and join the debate