Global Automotive Export Resource Guide | Page 129

I 129 I

expansion of the fuel/energy supply infrastructure. Japanese government is keen on non-gasoline operated vehicle due to Japan’s lack of natural recourses and they heavily rely on importing the natural resources. Japan has their own EV charging method called CHAdeMO. CHAdeMO recently announced that they will harmonize their standards with Chinese unique EV standards, GB/T. The harmonized standards will be the key for success for EV globally.

Heavy Duty Market Summary

Since the Japanese government decided to shift from coal to oil in the 1960s, the Japanese mining industry drastically shrunk. Combined with the economic crisis in the late 2000s, the Japanese construction machinery market experienced a major slump, but it has been gradually recovering since, and now Japanese general construction machinery and aftermarket parts sales stands at 1 trillion Japanese yen in 2017 (about $8.8 billion) a number that is expected to grow through the upcoming construction boom for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Osaka World Expo 2025 which will undoubtedly see an influx of foreign tourists and infrastructure demand, supporting the growth of construction industry and large public transportation fleets.

Specialty Equipment Market Summary

It is legal to customize vehicles in the Japanese market. The most common thing to customize the cars in the current market are wheels and tire parts. However, since Japan regulates the size/ shape/ engine system allowed on public roads, the customization of vehicles somewhat limited. Aftermarket customization of passenger cars is a mature market, and while not as large as the USA or Europe, which provides some opportunities to US suppliers.

Used and Remanufactured Market Summary

Since most consumers currently have their vehicles repaired or inspected at a Japanese vehicle dealer or dealer-controlled garage, the parts replaced are normally sourced from OE parts suppliers. In the past, the average age of the motor vehicle fleet in Japan was about five years. Today, Japanese consumers are keeping their vehicles longer (averaging nearly 10 years) which will require more repairs (however, original equipment parts tend to last longer than they did 10 years ago.) In addition, the average number of miles driven per year by the auto consumer has been rising for a number of years.

For More Information about exporting to Japan contact:

Yu Ohashi

Commercial Specialist - Global Auto & Smart Mobility Team

U.S. Consulate General, Osaka-Kobe

[email protected]

+81-6-6315-5958

best prospects