Japanese Brands' Strategy to Compete in China's Automotive Market

Among other foreign brands operating in the land of the bamboo curtain, the bZ3X is claimed to have entered the ranks of the best-selling environmentally friendly vehicles in China in April 2025.

By the end of April, around 10,000 vehicles had been delivered to consumers. The positive response from consumers caused Toyota's sales figures in China to rise by 21 percent, while their EV sales there increased by 84 percent, reaching 9,400 units.

Meanwhile, Nissan partnered with Dongfeng Motor Group to present the N7 sedan. Nissan successfully secured 10,000 orders by May 15, not long after its launch.

Honda also partnered with Dongfeng to sell the S7 SUV under the Ye brand, but its performance has been less impressive as it is offered at a higher price point compared to the Toyota bZ3X.

Photo : Carnewschina

With the good reception of Chinese electric cars even in the global market, there is a chance that in the future, Japanese-made EVs will increasingly resemble Chinese products in terms of design and features.

These Japan-specific EV models for China are even said to have the potential to be sold in various other countries, including Indonesia.

Photo : GAC Toyota

Toyota Indonesia confirms there is an opportunity to collaborate with SOEs (State-Owned Enterprises) in the development of the bZ3X.

“We will try to map it out together later, the point is, what we can do, we will do. But let's not forget that this collaboration is not just for the domestic market, but also for the global market,” said Bob Azam, Vice President Director of PT TMMIN (Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia), when asked about the bZ3X in Jakarta some time ago.