Worldwide, the car industry is in a state of flux, with reduced production thanks to the uncertainty generated by the appearance of the global virus. It is no different for the Japanese brands currently on the market. This is understandable but nevertheless, in the background, Japanese manufacturers are still looking toward future technology once the crisis, hopefully, passes.
A Kei Car For The Future
In Japan the tiny Kei cars are very popular, cheap to buy and maintain: they even have amateur motor races in them. The likelihood is that, in time, all Kei cars will be powered by electricity alone and Toyota have stolen the march on the other companies with their new, ultra-compact, two-seater BEV (battery electric vehicle) which they showed at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The planned commercial launch, subject to circumstances, will be later this year.
Urban dwellers will be pleased that the vehicle is designed to provide short-distance mobility while limiting impact on the environment. It can be driven a range of approximately 62 miles (100km) on a single charge and reach a maximum speed of 37 miles per hour (60 km/h). The idea is to create a mobility solution that can support and provide freedom of movement for all of Japan’s society. With the Ultra-compact BEV, Toyota are essentially saying that the future is for vehicles that allow for greater autonomy, require less space, create less noise and limit environmental impact.
The Japanese Car Market Now
While the new car industry holds its breath, the used car market remains buoyant, thanks to the somewhat unique way in which the motor industry trades in Japan. Kei cars are not generally exported but there is an excellent range of quality prestige cars available to buy. Customers there like their new cars because of the very strict motor-vehicle inspections and high level of internal depreciation for used cars. This is compounded by the fact that strict environmental-protection regulations that make vehicle disposal very expensive in Japan.
This is good news for the overseas buyer. Despite shipping costs, those nations that drive on the left-hand side of the road can take advantage of competitive prices as clients of MHH Japanese Cars have found. Cars for export are de-registered in the home country and are fully prepared before export.
The Future Of The Japanese Car Industry
Beyond the significant challenges that many nations face however, Japan’s motor manufacturing industry is also a leader in terms of efficient production; that's well known.
The development of hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) and fully-electric vehicle design and Li-ion battery development, coupled with changes to the urban motoring environment thanks to vehicles like the ultra-compact model mentioned above, the future for Japan's car makers looks positive.
The nation as a whole has broad experience in handling demographic change and changing consumer markets. It operates in one of the most urbanized environments with some of the highest developed public transport systems. It is therefore well-prepared to adjust to the global mega-trends of sustainability, demographic ageing and individual choice, as demonstrated at last year's Tokyo Motor Show.
Get in touch with us here at MHH Japanese Cars for more details.
