Automotive Industry News & Contents 2026 [Daily Updates]

August 20, 2026

This issue features an exclusive interview with BYD Auto Japan President Atsuki Tofukuji on the strategic launch of the "Racco" mini-EV, a detailed breakdown of the Thai supply chain and redesign timelines for the Honda HR-V, driveline and transmission supplier data, and a 5.4% uptick in Japan's July vehicle production.

Updated daily with the latest information for the automotive industry. Coverage (Japanese/English/Chinese) of information directly related to business, including complete vehicles, EVs, automated driving, sales figures, and industry reports.

Table of contents

▶ BYD Auto Japan President Tofukuji Interview

▶ Supply chain: Honda HR-V (Thailand)

▶ Launch Schedules for B-Segment SUVs in the Thailand Market

▶ Supply Chain: Driveline (Axle, etc.), Transmission / Clutch

▶ Japan July production rises 5.4%

▶ News

BYD Auto Japan President Tofukuji Interview

What lies beyond the Mini-EV "Racco": BYD’s Japan strategy and next moves

On July 28, 2026, BYD launched the independently developed kei (mini) EV tall wagon “Racco” for the Japanese market, becoming the first foreign automaker to enter Japan’s kei car market. There is considerable interest in how BYD will attack Japan’s “fortress” kei car market. MarkLines interviewed Mr. Atsuki Tofukuji, President of BYD Auto Japan. We asked him what kind of future the company envisions starting with the Racco, including the significance of entering Japan’s kei EV market, the background and objectives of the Racco’s development, and its target customers and regional strategy.

Read the full BYD Auto Japan interview
https://www.marklines.com/en/interview/46/byd_auto_japan_0826

More exclusive interviews
https://www.marklines.com/en/interview/top
Going beyond press releases and publicly available information, we explore on-the-ground perspectives, the background behind business initiatives, and future strategic directions.

Supply chain: Honda HR-V (Thailand)

Supply chain: Honda HR-V (Thailand)

The Honda "HR-V" produced in Thailand is a five-seater compact crossover SUV manufactured at the Prachinburi plant. In Japan, a model in the same series is sold as the "Vezel." In Thailand, the current-generation e:HEV model was launched in November 2021, and since then, only the e:HEV version has been available. A facelift was implemented in November 2024. Cumulative production from January through June 2026 totaled approximately 18,000 units. Regarding parts procurement, the HVAC unit is supplied by MAHLE (Thailand); the car audio system by the Thai subsidiary of E-LEAD Electronic, a Taiwanese automotive electronics manufacturer; and the infotainment head unit by Panasonic (Thailand). Lamps are supplied by companies such as Koito Manufacturing (Thailand) and Stanley Electric (Thailand). A significant portion of the supply comes from the Thai operations of major suppliers, primarily Japanese companies.

Launch Schedules for B-Segment SUVs in the Thailand Market

Launch Schedules for B-Segment SUVs in the Thailand Market

In Thailand's B-SUV market, Japanese automakers accounted for approximately 90% of sales in 2025, with HEV models such as the Toyota Yaris Cross and Honda HR-V leading the market. These models are compatible with E20 (gasoline blended with 20% ethanol), reflecting the development of HEV offerings adapted to the local fuel environment. The Honda HR-V, Toyota Yaris Cross, and Nissan Kicks are expected to be redesigned in 2028, 2029, and 2030, respectively.

Thailand Sales Volume Full Year 2025 / Jan.–Jun. 2026

Toyota Yaris Cross: 34,709 units / 19,825 units
Honda HR-V: 22,051 units / 13,765 units
Nissan Kicks: 1,877 units / 1,135 units

Supply Chain: Driveline (Axle, etc.), Transmission / Clutch

Search by Model / Supplier/ Component category
Click here

Japan July production rises 5.4%

Production is driven by increased output from Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, and Honda. Key contributors include the RAV4 (Toyota), CX-5 (Mazda), Roox (Nissan), and N-BOX (Honda). Toyota, Mazda, and Nissan, in particular, post double-digit growth, underpinning the overall expansion in production.
Click here