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Interview

Chinese EVs pose a 'threat,' Japan's minicar king Daihatsu says

Toyota group member embraces new thinking -- and partnership with rival Suzuki

Daihatsu cars on sale in Japan.

OSAKA -- Chinese-made electric vehicles costing around half as much as Japanese minicars pose a "threat" that will demand new thinking, says the president of Japan's leader in the affordable cars, Toyota group member Daihatsu Motor.

EVs priced as low as $4,500 have gained ground in China, the world's largest auto market and top EV exporter -- a hotbed of electric-car innovation. Chinese EVs are making inroads into Japan, with Japanese courier Sagawa Express buying 7,200 electric minivans from Guangxi Automobile Group in a bid to shrink its carbon footprint.

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