Chery’s Japan EV Push Gets a Reality Check From Autobacs
Autobacs Seven confirmed an investment in Singapore’s Electric Mobility Technology, or EMT, but clarified that “no decisions have been made” regarding the sale or servicing of China-made electric vehicles in its stores. That’s a more limited stance than what was suggested in a Nikkei report, picked up by Reuters, which stated that Chery Automobile and Autobacs had already formed a venture to sell EVs in Japan starting 2027. This clarification is key: Japan continues to be a tough environment for foreign EV brands, as most buyers stick with domestic makers and hybrids. For a Chinese automaker, teaming up with a retailer that already has workshops and a customer base could finally address a longstanding issue in Japan—who handles repairs after