Tesla expands its store and service network to seize the leading position in the Japanese imported car market.

The head of Tesla's Japan business said on Friday that Tesla plans to expand to at least 60 stores in Japan, aiming to become the largest imported car brand in Japan as early as next year. Tesla's Japan area manager, Riki Hashimoto, said that over the past two years, Tesla has expanded the coverage of its stores and service centers and increased training investments, all of which have helped drive Tesla's sales growth in Japan, despite the low penetration rate of electric vehicles in the country. Tesla's expansion in Japan comes as sales of battery-powered cars in the United States and other major global markets have slowed significantly, underscoring the importance of regions where the penetration rate of electric vehicles is still low. Hashimoto said at an event commemorating the launch of the Model Y L in Japan, "Our goal is to become the largest imported car brand, possibly as early as next year," outlining the company's mid to long-term goals in Japan. The American electric car maker sold just over 10,000 vehicles in Japan last year and began accepting orders for the Model Y L in Japan on Friday. The Model Y L is a six-seater car designed for families, as the company is trying to expand its appeal to early adopters.