Salvaged vehicle expert TAU keeps momentum of overseas expansion
Japanese pioneer in buying and reselling used and damaged vehicles aims to expand its overseas business by partnering with more local distributors and logistics companies
Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports www.discoveryreports.com
Celebrating more than 20 years in business, TAU – a pioneer in buying and reselling used and damaged vehicles in Japan – aims to further expand its overseas business by partnering with more local distributors and logistics companies.
“When we started, our business model was absolutely new in Japan,” says CEO Akitaka Miyamoto. “We saw not only income opportunities in the used/damaged-vehicle market but a way to generate employment and promote a cleaner environment by reducing industrial waste. We’d like to introduce our business to more countries, and we welcome opportunities to partner with reputable organisations.”
Gaining buyers’ trust was the most important hurdle we’ve overcome in this traditionally informal market. This underlines the solid reputation we’ve founded on honesty, transparency and reliability
TAU has business transactions in more than 110 countries overseen by three overseas offices located in Brisbane (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia) and Manila (Philippines), which supplement its headquarters in Saitama. It generates about 60 per cent of its sales from abroad and seeks to broaden its global reach.
In the Philippines, TAU is strengthening the foothold of its damaged car business and plans to progressively advance to other Southeast Asian countries. In China, where it has established motor oil distributors, TAU intends to introduce more made-in-Japan products. The company also aims to bolster sales of forklifts, trucks and agricultural machines to countries where basic industry infrastructure has yet to be fully developed such as in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Its portfolio also includes construction machinery, forklifts, farm tractors, boats, bikes and scooters. These vehicles, which undergo rigorous inspection, come from original purchase sources including car dealers, insurance and leasing companies, repair shops, and individual owners. TAU additionally offers used and new auto spare parts and high-performance motor oils.
“Gaining buyers’ trust was the most important hurdle we’ve overcome in this traditionally informal market,” Miyamoto says. “Now, we add 300 cars to our portfolio each day – all of which are sold within an average of three days. This underlines the solid reputation we’ve founded on honesty, transparency and reliability.”
