The South Korean auto industry has long developed thanks to the support of Japanese companies: they provided technologies, components, assemblies, and even fully licensed cars. And in 2001, Hyundai made an attempt to sell its cars in the Japanese market. Sales peaked in 2004, when 2,500 cars were sold, and at the end of 2009, the Koreans left without having achieved success. Now a second attempt has been made.
The newly established subsidiary is called Hyundai Mobility Japan and will operate under a new business scheme. First, there will be no more traditional dealerships. So far, only two branded boutiques have been opened in Tokyo and Yokohama, later the same showrooms will appear in Nagoya and Fukuoka, and in addition, you can get acquainted with the cars in large shopping centers. Online sales will begin on May 2, service partners will take care of the maintenance of the machines.
And secondly, only electric models are offered to Japanese buyers. This is an electric car Hyundai Ioniq 5 in four versions at a price of 37 thousand to 46 thousand dollars, as well as a hydrogen crossover Hyundai Nexo in a single fixed configuration for 60 thousand dollars. Deliveries of commercial vehicles will begin in July. Car subscription programs are also planned.
By the way, the Japanese automotive market is the third largest in terms of sales in the world (following China and the USA), but at the same time it is quite self-sufficient. Last year, out of 3.65 million new cars sold here, only 260,000 (including trucks), that is, regarding 7%, were imported. And almost all of this segment is occupied by European cars, and a special chic for the Japanese is cars with a left-hand drive. Hyundai will supply right-hand drive cars to this market.