Stellantis recently unveiled its new fully electric compact utility car, the Jeep Avenger, in Japan. Priced at ¥5.8 million ($40,000) and eligible for ¥650,000 in government subsidies, the electric vehicle is entering a market dominated by gasoline and hybrid cars. Despite the slow adoption of EVs in Japan, sales of imported electric vehicles surpassed domestically made ones in 2023.
Toyota, a key player in the EV market, has adjusted its sales targets due to market trends. While the Japanese automaker originally aimed to sell 1.5 million battery electric vehicles annually by 2026 and 3.5 million by 2030, it has since revised its projections. Similarly, Chinese automaker BYD is gradually making inroads in the Japanese market with its flagship sedan, the Seal, becoming the top-selling imported EV in August.
As the automotive industry adapts to changes in consumer preferences, it is clear that the demand for electric vehicles is on the rise. Stellantis’ entry into the Japanese market signifies a shift towards sustainable transportation options, opening up new opportunities for both domestic and foreign automakers
