The recovery of the Japanese economy resulted both in terms of foreign brands sold in the country Sakura . According to the Japan Automobile Importers Association ( JAIA ) , fiscal year 2013 ( April 2012 - March 2013 ) , the non - Japanese brand sales reached 302,000 units , which is the biggest achievement since 1997 .
More and more people want to be different , making the sale of the greater number of foreign cars . Indeed, if the sales figures , that number is not too large . But , as Japan is one of the most difficult markets in translucent , due to strong local brands , the result is quite good .
Local brands dominate the market by 90 percent , most of the specific genre of Japanese compact cars or often called by " kei car " . This car is small in size and enjoy tax exemptions and incentives suitable for passing in congested urban areas in Japan .
" I think Japan will end after the Lehman crisis (2008 ) , expensive items will not be sold and re- think many foreign manufacturers willing to invest here . Years ago showing a good opportunity to see the importance of Japan , " said by Kintaro Ueno , Chairman JAIA reported by Bloomberg ( 05/12/2014 ) .
Although good , but sales of foreign brands will continue to be affected in the sales decline is happening in Japan , starting April 2014 . Government's decision to raise the sales tax , making the total car market down 5.5 percent and foreign brands fell by 24 percent last month . Conditions will be heavy !
Mercedes - Benz
Among several imported brands are enjoying a surge in sales , including a Mercedes - Benz managed to record 59,774 units , up 40 percent . This German brand even managed to shift the peak of the Lexus in the premium car competition in Japan after four years .
Maserati GranTurismo which relied successfully doubled its sales , with the acquisition of 714 units . Now the question is , whether this growth continues or not ?
Japanese consumption was bolted to purchase a car in the first seven months of fiscal 2013 ( March-September 2013) . This year will be different condition with a larger sales.
