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At Nichibo, we take pride in offering car dealers worldwide unparalleled access to Japan’s thriving used car market. Moreover, with our expertise, extensive network, and commitment to quality, we ensure a seamless vehicle import experience. Recently, we hosted Car Dealer Magazine in Japan and explored the world’s largest car auction, USS Tokyo. Nichibo’s remarkable process help dealer’s acquire top-tier vehicles at auction every time.

In fact, as featured in the article, our team was on the ground, securing the best European and Japanese vehicles for our UK dealer partners. Now, here’s an inside look at the auction process and how we make importing from Japan effortless for dealerships worldwide.

The Scale of USS Tokyo: The World’s Largest Car Auction

USS Tokyo, located just outside the capital, is the beating heart of Japan’s car auction industry. Every Thursday, this colossal 130-acre facility hosts auctions where up to 20,000 vehicles are sold in a single day. Car Dealer Magazine witnessed over 18,000 cars change hands when they visited, in a fast-paced, high-energy environment that lasted 13 hours.

Thousands of dealers from around the world flock to USS Tokyo weekly, eager to secure high-quality vehicles. The auction is a spectacle of efficiency, with 3,000 sales desks spread across two massive halls. Dealers bid by pressing buttons at lightning speed, with each vehicle’s sale taking just 30 seconds. Unlike traditional auctions, there’s no hammer—winners are determined just three seconds after the final bid.

Navigating the Auction Process with Nichibo

For dealers unfamiliar with the Japanese auction system, the process can seem daunting. That’s where we step in. Our expert team simplifies every step, from vehicle selection to bidding and shipping. When UK dealers partner with us, they gain access to our web platform, which provides real-time listings of thousands of vehicles available each week.

If a dealer places a bid, our on-the-ground Auction Inspectors personally inspect the vehicle, ensuring it meets quality standards before securing the purchase. This meticulous approach guarantees that dealers receive only the best cars, minimizing risks associated with remote purchases. The Car Dealer Magazine article highlighted how we facilitated this process for UK dealers, helping them acquire premium vehicles from the comfort of their own office.

The Exceptional Quality of Japanese Imports

One of the key takeaways from the Car Dealer Magazine article was the pristine condition of the vehicles available at USS Tokyo. Japanese car owners take exceptional care of their vehicles, often keeping them in garages and maintaining them through official dealerships. The country’s excellent public transportation system also means that many cars have remarkably low mileage.

During the visit, the magazine’s team inspected a variety of vehicles, from high-performance Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Ferraris to everyday European brands like Volkswagen, Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes. Even 10-year-old models appeared factory-fresh, a testament to Japan’s strict grading system. At Nichibo, we leverage this grading system to provide our clients with a transparent, trustworthy buying experience.

Why UK Dealers Are Turning to Japanese Imports

Several factors are contributing to the resurgence of Japanese imports in the UK. Lower shipping costs, a favorable exchange rate, and the superior condition of Japanese vehicles make them a highly attractive option for dealers. Additionally, Japanese cars have fewer warranty claims compared to their UK counterparts, reducing potential after-sales headaches.

As highlighted in Car Dealer Magazine, our UK Country Manager, Chay Anderson, has been at the forefront of educating UK dealers about the benefits of Japanese imports. Having previously managed a New Zealand dealership that imported thousands of vehicles from Japan, he now leads Nichibo’s UK operations, ensuring dealers receive the best possible service.

“Many car dealers immediately turn their noses up at imports, but when they see the quality of the cars and how well looked after they are, that soon changes,” Anderson told Car Dealer Magazine. “The warranty claims are negligible next to an equivalent model from the UK. Plus, there are great margins to be had even after all the import costs and tweaks are made.”

A Hassle-Free Import Process with Nichibo

One of the biggest challenges for dealers looking to import cars is navigating the logistics. We eliminate that burden managing logistics and customs requirements, including documentation and pre-export checks. Our platform provides a ‘landed’ price for all cars, meaning dealers can bid with confidence, knowing shipping and taxes are included.

Once a purchase is made, our team ensures smooth shipping . Vehicles typically arrive in the UK within 55 days. For cars under 10 years old, an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test is required, costing around £250. Older cars simply need an MOT, along with minor modifications such as a fog light installation. 

Buying European models like BMW and Volkswagen makes the process even more seamless, as they often require minimal modifications. With our expertise, dealers can expand their inventory without worrying about the complexities of international vehicle imports.

Experience the Japanese Car Auction Firsthand

During Car Dealer Magazine’s visit, they had the opportunity to experience the high-energy environment of USS Tokyo firsthand. The scale of the auction was staggering—so vast that dealers navigated the site using bikes and buses. The publication’s team even successfully secured six vehicles for import to the UK, a testament to the efficiency and reliability of the process.

Our team is always ready to provide insights, guidance, and access to real-time bidding via our platform. Whether you want to purchase JDM classics, luxury European imports, or budget-friendly vehicles, we have the expertise to make it happen.

Join the Growing Network of Nichibo Dealers

With Japanese imports gaining traction in the UK, now is the perfect time for dealers to explore this lucrative market. Partnering with us means access to an extensive inventory, expert guidance, and a hassle-free import process.

The Car Dealer Magazine article provided a glimpse into the immense opportunities available through USS Tokyo and Japan’s broader auction network. As the UK’s trusted Japanese vehicle importer, we are dedicated to helping dealers source high-quality, profitable vehicles with ease.

If you’re ready to expand your inventory with premium Japanese imports, get in touch with us today. Let Nichibo be your gateway to the best cars Japan has to offer.