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It’s just the start of the new year and already those involved in the sales of Japanese used cars—buyers and sellers alike—have something great to celebrate about. Two independent automotive-focused bodies have both predicted a bright outcome for the secondhand-car business for the year. Edmunds.com and CNW Research, authorities on used-car trends, prices, and marketing expect increased sales this year. The news is not that surprising and exporters have been prepared for the rush since the last few months of 2012. In the United Kingdom, sales of pre-owned vehicles increased by 0.5 percent during the third quarter. British consumers favored hybrid and electric models, and SUVs offering good fuel economy. In Tokyo, it was reported by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association that sales of pre-owned vehicles increased 6.4% from the previous year, a landmark increase since the last time the figures about showed positive numbers in the sales of Japanese used cars was in 2000. Almost two years ago in March 11, 2011, Japan experienced a devastating earthquake and tsunami that claimed many lives and destroyed property, including several auto manufacturing and assembly plants. As a result of the disaster, sales of used vehicles went down. Because there were no new cars being manufactured, owners tended to keep their vehicles, and so there was little supply to the used-car market. As the Japanese industry recovered, so did the production of new cars, and the automotive market was once again supplying vehicles for the secondhand-car exporters. The Japan Automobile Dealers Association reported that sales of Japanese used cars (passenger vehicle segments) reached 3.51 million units, up 7.3% from the previous year. The number of trucks sold in 2012 was 403,685, a 0.4% increase. CNW Market Research forecasts that based on the previous years’ statistics, 2013’s secondhand vehicle sales will peak at 40 million units at least. The market was doing well in the early 2000’s until recession came in 2007 and buying cars was simply an unthinkable waste of money. CNW’s forecast includes franchised and independent dealer sales, and private sales. According to CNW President Art Spinella, sales of hybrids are expected to increase, considering rising gas prices. Fuel-efficient cars would also most likely take the lead in 2013 auto sales. Hybrids may be more expensive than conventional gas-powered engines on the onset but in the long run, the savings in fuel would make the purchase worth it. Dealerships would also have an edge over individual, private sellers when it comes to marketing. Because of the myriad websites focused on exporting cars, dealerships may now join a used-car exporters’ network such as tradecarview. Advertising is now done through making a listing of the used car specifying make, model, year, engine model, and other technical details about the car. An online shopper would see an exporter’s listing once he or she searches for car that has the same specifications as the car in the exporter’s stock list. Indeed, the online used car market is a huge place that is sure to attract a lot of buyers from all over the world. With such a dynamic system, it’s no wonder that sales of Japanese used cars continue to increase.
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