Why are left-hand drive vehicles available in Japan, as it is right-hand drive?
Left-hand drive vehicles are available in Japan, and therefore in the Japan auctions, primarily for two main reasons:
1. Importation of foreign vehicles: Japan imports a significant number of vehicles from countries where left-hand drive is the standard. These vehicles are imported primarily from countries like the United States, Germany, and other European countries where left-hand drive is the norm. Since these vehicles are already manufactured as left-hand drive, they are imported and made available to Japanese consumers without undergoing extensive modifications to convert them to right-hand drive.
2. International driving compatibility: Left-hand drive vehicles in Japan are also intended to cater to foreign residents and tourists who are accustomed to driving left-hand drive vehicles in their home countries. Japan is a popular tourist destination, and many foreign visitors arrive with a valid driver’s license from their home country. Allowing left-hand drive vehicles to be available in Japan ensures that these visitors can rent or purchase vehicles that they are familiar with and can drive comfortably.
Are left-hand drive vehicles considered as a luxury vehicle in Japan rather than a work vehicle?
Left-hand drive vehicles are not typically considered luxury vehicles in Japan. In fact, left-hand drive vehicles are more commonly associated with imported cars from countries like the United States and Europe. These vehicles are often seen as unique or exotic because they differ from the standard right-hand drive vehicles that are prevalent in Japan.
In Japan, luxury vehicles are generally defined by their brand, features, and overall quality rather than their drive configuration. Luxury vehicles are typically associated with high-end brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, regardless of whether they are left-hand drive or right-hand drive.
Left-hand drive vehicles in Japan are not limited to luxury models. They can be found across various vehicle segments, including economy cars, SUVs, sports cars, and so on. Their availability is more related to factors like importation and catering to the needs of foreign residents and tourists, as mentioned earlier.
It’s worth noting that Japanese car manufacturers primarily produce right-hand drive vehicles for the domestic market, and the majority of vehicles on Japanese roads are right-hand drive.
Are left-hand drive vehicles commonly found in the Japanese car auctions?
Left-hand drive vehicles can be found in Japanese car auctions, but they are relatively less common compared to right-hand drive vehicles. The majority of vehicles available in Japanese car auctions are right-hand drive since that is the standard driving configuration in Japan.
However, left-hand drive vehicles can appear in Japanese car auctions for a few reasons:
1. Imported vehicles: As mentioned earlier, Japan imports a significant number of vehicles from countries where left-hand drive is the standard. These imported vehicles may end up in Japanese car auctions, providing buyers with the opportunity to purchase left-hand drive models.
2. Specialty vehicles: Some specialty vehicles, such as high-performance sports cars or unique models, may be manufactured as left-hand drive and find their way into Japanese car auctions. These vehicles cater to specific niche markets or enthusiast collectors.
3. Surplus or used vehicles from foreign sources: Occasionally, left-hand drive vehicles that were previously used by foreign residents or tourists in Japan may be sold at Japanese car auctions. These vehicles may no longer be needed or have completed their lease periods.
