August 27, 2026 – Tesla officially announced today that the China-made Model Y has become the best-selling single new car model among imported brands in Japan during the first half of 2026. This achievement marks another significant milestone for the China-manufactured vehicle in the Japanese market, following its top spot in the single-month sales ranking in May 2026.
Historically, the Japanese imported car market has been heavily dominated by German luxury brands. According to industry data, Mercedes-Benz led the market in 2025 with 49,654 units sold, albeit a 6% decrease year-over-year, while BMW ranked second with 34,044 units, down 7%. Volkswagen and Audi followed closely behind. To accelerate its expansion in Japan, Tesla plans to increase its showroom network from the current 35 to at least 60, and expand service centers to approximately 30, aiming to become the top-selling imported car brand in Japan as early as next year. Furthermore, Tesla began accepting orders for the six-seat Model Y L in April, targeting a broader family consumer base.
The success of the China-made Model Y in Japan is closely tied to the manufacturing quality and cost advantages of Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory. With a localized parts supply rate exceeding 95%, the factory not only serves the domestic Chinese market but also exports to Japan, Europe, and Australia. Globally, the Model Y has been the world’s best-selling passenger car for three consecutive years, with cumulative deliveries surpassing four million units. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the Shanghai Gigafactory delivered 213,000 vehicles, representing a 23.5% year-over-year increase.
