American Brands Failing To Make Headway In the Japanese Market Because They Aren't Customer Focused

The Japanese car market has proven to be a really tough place for U.S. manufacturers, who have claimed that protectionist policies keep them out of the third largest car market in the world but the reality is more complicated than that.

Japanese brands account for 90 percent of the domestic car market in Japan and a big role in this is due to the special relationship between the customer and the dealer. Japanese buyers are used to having a much closer relationship with the dealer compared to the Western standards.

According to a report from the Atlantic, a dealer from a Japanese brand will build a relationship with their customers by bringing demo cars to the customer’s house, offer free car washes for life, handle their insurance policies and remain generally in contact with them, offering a service that’s considered kind of a custom in the country.

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atc98092 - 11/7/2017 3:39:47 PM

+2 Boost

Well, they aren't particularly customer focused in this country, so why would you expect them to be different elsewhere? Yes, this is where the US manufacturers can improve both abroad and in their home market. Some dealerships go above and beyond, but that's not the norm.

MDarringer - 11/7/2017 7:09:23 PM

+1 Boost

Japan is radically different culturally, so in addition to having cars that are not RHD and sized properly for the Japanese market, American brands aren't a good fit.

MDarringer - 11/8/2017 8:17:07 AM

+1 Boost

You're correct. They are quite happy communicating the truth of their penis size with their love of Kei cars.