Japanese startup KG Motors has introduced the ultracompact and affordable electric car Mibot, designed for driving narrow city streets with a top speed of 60 km/h and a range of 100 km. The price of the Mibot is about 7,000 euros, which is half the price of the best-selling electric model in Japan, the Nissan Sakura. The company has already received a large number of orders, exceeding half of the planned production, and plans to deliver the first series in March 2024. Mibot has generated significant interest as it offers an affordable solution for urban mobility, while traditional Japanese manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan still hesitate to fully transition to electric vehicles. Chinese manufacturer BYD is also entering the Japanese market with competitive models, further pressuring domestic producers to accelerate the shift to electric mobility.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the innovation and affordability of the Mibot as a positive step towards sustainable urban mobility and reducing environmental impact. They highlight the potential for such compact electric vehicles to democratize access to clean transportation and challenge traditional automotive giants resistant to change.
Center: Center-leaning sources report on the Mibot focusing on the market dynamics, including the competitive pricing and the growing demand for electric vehicles in Japan. They provide balanced coverage of the challenges faced by traditional manufacturers and the rise of new entrants like KG Motors and BYD, noting the implications for the automotive industry.
Right: Right-leaning media tend to stress the competitive threat posed by new startups and foreign companies like BYD to established Japanese automakers. They may express skepticism about the rapid transition to electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for careful economic considerations and the preservation of traditional automotive industry jobs.
