BYD (HKG:1211, SHE:002594) is gearing up for the launch of a mini-car in Japan on Friday, aiming to enter a segment that accounts for nearly a third of the country's auto sales, Reuters reported Tuesday.

The all-electric car will not go on sale until the end of next year, but is already being noted for its possible threat to local automakers Honda and Suzuki, the report said.

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