FORD AIMS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SALES OPPORTUNITIES IN JAPAN

[marwan25]

Ford’s total sales for the Japanese market in 2010 accounted for a measly 2,400 units, but Ford’s CEO of Japan operations recently announced at a Tokyo cafe media event that the automaker is gearing up to boost sales in the wake of the natural disasters that have left Japan’s auto industry crippled and unable to meet demand, according to Fox News.

Ford is not alone as a foreign automaker struggling to move metal in Japan as local culture tends to strongly prefer domestic products. One of the few exceptions comes in the form of strong global luxury brands such as BMW or Mercedes-Benz, which cater to markets only partially covered by Lexus, Acura and Infiniti offerings.

One key vehicles Ford is counting on to grab much needed market share is the totally redesigned Explorer as comparable Japanese products are expected to be in extremely limited supply until late in the fourth quarter.

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While Ford would love to grab a larger slice of the pie in Japan while helping provide vehicles for consumers in dire need of replacement products, Japan only plays a minor role in the automaker’s larger Asia-Pacific and Africa region goals. Although Ford has big plans that include 50 new or updated products in the region in the next four years alone, Ford has already seen a 40 percent jump in sales in 2010.

Whether or not Japan will continue to reject American autos or turn to Ford in a time of dire circumstances is still unknown, but the next six months could prove to be the most crucial months in Ford’s history for the Japanese market.

References
1.’Ford looks to…’ view