PSPINC CEO Kenichi Uchikura's Blog

Why Don’t American Cars Sell Well in Japan?
American cars are known for their power and unique appeal, but the reality is that they don’t sell well in Japan. Why is it so difficult for American cars to gain traction in the Japanese market? Here are seven key reasons:

 

 
1. Oversized Vehicles Mean Higher Taxes
American cars are typically larger with bigger engines, which means higher automobile taxes in Japan. This significantly increases ownership costs and discourages potential buyers.

 

2. Difficult to Obtain Garage Certificates
In Japan, owning a car requires a “garage certificate,” but large American cars often don’t fit in standard residential parking spaces, making it difficult or impossible to obtain this certificate.

 

3. Left-Hand Drive Is Inconvenient
Japan drives on the left side of the road, so left-hand-drive cars can be inconvenient—especially at toll booths or coin-operated parking lots—making them less practical for everyday use.

 

4. Won’t Fit in Parking Spaces
Especially in urban areas, American vehicles often can’t physically fit in mechanical or multi-level parking garages, which limits where they can be parked and used.

 

5. Concerns About Reliability and Fuel Efficiency
Compared to Japanese cars, American vehicles are often perceived as less reliable and more fuel-hungry. These negative impressions make buyers hesitant.

 

6. Lack of Maintenance and Warranty Support
There’s often insufficient infrastructure for servicing American vehicles in Japan. Parts may be hard to find, and timely repairs aren’t guaranteed, adding to ownership concerns.

 

7. Weak Dealer Network
There are few official American car dealerships in Japan. This lack of sales and after-service support makes customers feel uneasy about buying an American vehicle.

 

 
Bonus Note: Japanese Cars Dominate in the U.S.
Ironically, in the United States, the top-selling cars are almost always Japanese. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are commonly seen on American roads and enjoy high levels of trust and popularity.

 

In other words, while American cars struggle in Japan, Japanese cars thrive in the U.S. This discrepancy may be due not only to cultural or taste differences, but also to distinctions in product quality, reliability, and service infrastructure.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/535581/why-dont-american-cars-sell-well-in