History of Japan used cars Auctions

The history of Japan’s used car auctions dates back to the mid-20th century. After World War II, there was a demand for affordable transportation in Japan. This led to the growth of the used car industry and the establishment of auction houses.

Here’s a brief overview of the history:

1. *Post-WWII Era:* In the 1950s, as Japan was rebuilding its economy, there was a shortage of new cars. This created a market for used vehicles, and auctions became a popular way to buy and sell them.

2. *1960s-1970s:* During this period, the Japanese used car market continued to expand. Auction houses standardized their processes and introduced grading systems to evaluate the condition of vehicles.

3. *1980s:* Japan’s automotive industry was booming, and so was the used car market. Auctions became more sophisticated, using technology to improve efficiency.

4. *1990s:* The internet began to play a role in the used car auction industry. Online bidding platforms started to emerge, allowing buyers from around the world to participate in Japanese auctions.

5. *2000s-Present:* Japan’s used car auctions have gone global. They are now accessible to buyers worldwide through online platforms. The auctions have gained a reputation for offering high-quality vehicles with detailed inspection reports.

Today, Japan’s used car auctions are known for their transparency, rigorous inspection processes, and a wide variety of vehicles, including many that are relatively low mileage and well-maintained. These auctions are a popular source of vehicles for both individual buyers and dealerships around the world.

Presently, 3 types of Japanese used car auctions operate for local dealers and exporters.

1. Real-time Auto Auctions – is the main type of auctions. The trading goes either on-site or online from any part of Japan on specific days of the week.
2. Tender Lease Car Auctions – Usually held by small auction halls with a very simple system of offering 1-time bids only. The trading is conducted by selecting the highest provided bid.
3. Fixed price Auto Auctions – There is no specific time; the cars are listed online till a specific time and sold by single click or through phone calls. In some cases, the price is not final and requires further negotiation. Also called One-price car auctions.

The above auction halls use a similar car grading system and produce auction inspection sheets. It provides precise information for the used car dealers to estimate the market prices. With efficient local transportation , any vehicles can be delivered on-time to all loading ports. All of the above auctions can be checked directly through our online Japanese Auto Auction system.