Jump to content
News
Reviews
Discussons
Activity
Create New...
Close
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    By William Maley •

    Why President Trump's Dream Of Selling More U.S. Cars In Japan Isn't Going To Happen

      Its all about that perception

    Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced that he had reached an agreement with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to open trade talks between the two nations. Previously, the president had threatened a 25 percent tariff on cars to reduce imports and encourage more production in the U.S. The two agree that the "sanctions on auto exports won’t be applied while the talks take place."

    A key topic of talks will likely be giving better access to U.S. cars to be sold in Japan, something President Trump has complained about before. Data from Japan’s auto industry associations said only 0.3 percent of the 3.2 million vehicles sold in the country this year when American brands. Contrast this to 40 percent of the U.S.' market share being made up by Japanese automakers according to Bloomberg.

    But there arises a problem with Trump's ambition, Japanese buyers aren't interested. Japan has argued time and time again that the reason American automakers don't do some well is the perception of that American cars are " bulky and inefficient". There is one American brand that bucks this trend, Jeep. According to Bloomberg, Jeep sold more than 7,000 vehicles in the first eight months of this year - beating all other U.S. brands combined.

    Source: Bloomberg (Subscription Required)

    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    G. David Felt

    America excluding JEEP, just does not understand how small this country is. The roads, space, etc. do NOT support America where everything is supersized. I totally do not see much growth ever in Japan for majority of US auto brands.

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    ykX
    26 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    America excluding JEEP, just does not understand how small this country is. The roads, space, etc. do NOT support America where everything is supersized. I totally do not see much growth ever in Japan for majority of US auto brands.

    Agreed.  From what I have been reading most of the people use public transportation day to day anyway and space and size is in premium.  Even in Europe, which I assume might be slightly better for space than Japan can't really use anything that is sold in US except maybe Jeep Renegade, which pretty much was designed for Europe and actually quite popular there,

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    G. David Felt
    46 minutes ago, ykX said:

    Agreed.  From what I have been reading most of the people use public transportation day to day anyway and space and size is in premium.  Even in Europe, which I assume might be slightly better for space than Japan can't really use anything that is sold in US except maybe Jeep Renegade, which pretty much was designed for Europe and actually quite popular there,

    Having gone to college at Kobe University and staying with a family. I was allowed to use their son's Ninja bike as he never rode it. Japan is very small and tight on space and their Buss, taxi and train system is the best in the world. 98% of the time you do not need an auto to get around unless you are rich. Auto's are mostly for the rural areas, not the inner city where the bulk of the citizens live. 

    I rode the lovely bike they had bought for their spoiled son on the weekends in the mountains where there is no speed limits and huge mirrors on all the corners, you just carve up using the whole road.

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Suaviloquent

    With American brands cars going extinct left and right and the majority of US assembled import cars being for import consumption.

     

    Literally the best they can probably do is probably nothing. You see Japan having the capability to build their own carrier commercial aircraft or fighter jets, and Japan doesn’t complain that American makes like Boeing and Lockheed do so well there...

     

    There’s an example specialization that works handily.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Suaviloquent

    Japan’s having a population implosion and their car market is in the process of cratering.

     

    none of their automakers can even survive on the JDM, and what is also true is that Japanese cars haven’t changed in decades. They’re all really tiny boxs that are fancy golfcarts. Part of why so many Indian cars in the modern Indian car market also use a tin pot style formula for cars.

     

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    smk4565

    Jeep has really strong brand image and the styling really works too.  This makes it a desirable brand all over the world.  And they have 3 SUVs on the smaller side, the Cherokee is the size of an Equinox and they have 2 smaller than that.

    Japanese don't buy American because a lot of American cars aren't that good.  The class leading American cars are full size pickups and SUVs and that stuff won't sell in Japan or Europe either.  If American brands had best in class small sedans and small and compact crossovers I bet they'd sell over seas.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    ykX
    16 hours ago, dfelt said:

    Having gone to college at Kobe University and staying with a family. I was allowed to use their son's Ninja bike as he never rode it. Japan is very small and tight on space and their Buss, taxi and train system is the best in the world. 98% of the time you do not need an auto to get around unless you are rich. Auto's are mostly for the rural areas, not the inner city where the bulk of the citizens live. 

    I rode the lovely bike they had bought for their spoiled son on the weekends in the mountains where there is no speed limits and huge mirrors on all the corners, you just carve up using the whole road.

    Sounds like a really cool experience

    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell
    On ‎9‎/‎29‎/‎2018 at 4:21 AM, daves87rs said:

    Japan is just not built for cars......at least not any more....

    Certainly not American cars.  A Cruze is a large mid-size over there.  I can't imagine trying to pilot something like a Continental or Navigator.  You'd have to be hyper-rich to afford those cars in Japan. 

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    daves87rs
    35 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    Certainly not American cars.  A Cruze is a large mid-size over there.  I can't imagine trying to pilot something like a Continental or Navigator.  You'd have to be hyper-rich to afford those cars in Japan. 

     

    Yep, cost being another major reason as well. And their population finally is growing again....not going to leave much space for cars....

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    ×

  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      WOW, California now has 48% more chargers than gas pumps. California Just Crossed an EV Milestone. Here's How
    • G. David Felt
      Kia News: Kia EV2, The EV everyone will love or will they?

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Showcased as a Concept in Tarragona, Spain for Kia EV day, the Concept EV2 is a agile B-segment electric SUV that show cases what a production model could be for people to experience urban spaces in new immersive ways. The Concept EV2 is designed for the lifestyle-driven buyers who want cutting edge technology with a connected inspiring driving experience. Kia stated the key exterior features of the Concept EV2: Clean, confident exterior look with vertical DRLs, Kia’s Star Map signature lighting, and a dynamic appearance Compact design, with a strong silhouette and rugged bumpers, gives the Concept EV2 a bold, premium feel Profile combines solid stance with a dynamic shoulder line, robust fenders, and geometric glass and wheel arch details for a refined, technical look Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song stated the following: “The Kia Concept EV2 represents a bold step forward for the future of urban mobility. With the Concept EV2, we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that defies expectations, offering innovative technology and practicality beyond its size. This concept previews Kia’s future vision to redefine the segment, bringing a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers. It's a clear signal of our dedication to making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone." Kia stated that the Concept EV2 is a preview of an accessible sub-compact SUV for the masses that is a B-segment EV that hits above its class. Offering innovative experiences with beyond class features. The vision of the Concept EV2 is to bring sustainable mobility to everyone. The Concept EV2 is clearly identifiable as a part of the Kia EV Family. A clean design that projects a unique confident character as the EV2 starts off with DRLs or Daytime running lights. Kia believes they have delivered a sophisticated focus of style in a city-friendly dimension while also projecting a rugged appearance. This dynamic character on the outside continues with a dynamic interior. Key features of the Concepts EV2 interior: Sustainable interior with flexible seating, vibrant design, and functional LED lighting Easy access and versatility with rear-hinged doors, flat floor, and wide-opening tailgate for active urban lifestyles Concept EV2 features pop-up luggage dividers, message window tech, and removable triangular speakers for customizable audio experience Kia is focused on an interior that hits above the beltline for its b-class and yet also allows innovation so that folks can adjust for just about any reason / experience. The Kia Concept EV2 continued to hit above what other companies have done by stating that this B-Segment sub-compact will offer features usually found on larger class EVs. Second row folding seats V2L or Vehicle-to-Load charging OTA or Over-the-Air updates If you were in bad weather but still wanted to have a picnic, the EV2 has a flat floor where one could fold up the rear seats, slide the front seats up against the dash and enjoy a picnic in a segment leading interior floor space. The creation of an expansive area that users can take full advantage of when parked continues with no central pillar and rear-hinged rear doors. The Concept EV2 will have a diagonal LED lighting throughout allowing lighting to be available where one needs it for the lifestyle you want to live. Music can be played through the Concept EV2 triangle speakers found in the front doors and in strategically placed interior areas. Concept EV2 features an innovative pop-up sliding luggage dividers and straps that secure items of all size. Kia's unique message lighting allows occupants to display text messages through the windows allowing communication with pedestrians and other road users. Kia has since stated the EV2 will go into production globally with a launch in early 2026 in Europe and spreading out across the quarters to Asia and North America. Pricing and full options details will be released closer to launch. Kia/Hyundai/Genesis has also announced that they will be investing 21 billion U.S. dollars in expanding their U.S. production capabilities. This will cover the following: The Group to invest a total of USD 21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028 USD 9 billion to expand U.S. automobile production to 1.2 million units annually USD 6 billion to enhance parts, logistics and steel business, increasing the localization of auto parts and strengthening supply chains USD 6 billion to expand future industries and strengthen external partnerships and energy infrastructure, including EV charging Investment is expected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by 2028, including 14,000 direct full-time jobs Expansion of production will happen in Alabama and Georgia as well as a production of a Electric Arc Furnace steel mill in Louisiana producing 2.7 million tons of high-strength light weight steel products. This investment will expand the robust nature of their supply chain across the U.S. This investment has a commitment that goes beyond what most companies do in that six billion will cover the following investments: Collaborating with Boston Dynamics to expand the U.S. ecosystem for robotics components and establish a mass-production system Partnering with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of AI solutions for future mobility, including autonomous driving and robotics Advancing R&D with Supernal, the Group’s US affiliate for AAM business, to commercialize an eVTOL vehicle by 2028 Supplying robotaxis to Waymo as part of its strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Company, and co-developing autonomous driving services with Aptiv Investing potential startups through venture capital and other funding mechanisms to support U.S. startups specializing in mobility, robotics, and AI Strategic cooperation between Hyundai Engineering & Construction Holtec International on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology Establishing infrastructure to bolster use of renewable energy Investing in IONNA EV charging alliance to expand infrastructure This commitment of investment is expected to generate 570,000 jobs nationwide as Kia presses on to become the dominate ICE / Hybird / EV producer in North America. This brings it back to the question that started it all, will the public love and want the EV2? View full article
    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      The upcoming quarterly report of Tesla is going to be interesting and I suspect major drop in sales. Edmonds is reporting registrations across the U.S. has dropped big time. The bad news continues for Elon Musk: Tesla users are switching to other car manufacturers at record levels
    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Have you had Albert look at the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis portfolio? Maybe a GV60?
    • Drew Dowdell
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By Drew Dowdell · Posted

      yeah, I got the e-mail about it because I'm a reservation holder.  I technically need to cancel that. Albert decided he didn't like the R2.

  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

I've whitelisted
Continue without support

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search