USS Auto Auction is a membership-based auto auction operated by USS Co., Ltd., aimed at revitalizing the distribution of used cars. The name "USS" comes from the initials of Used car System Solutions. In addition to its core auto auction business, the company also engages in used car buying and selling and recycling businesses.
Auto Auction Business
USS Auto Auction plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth distribution of used cars. It operates 19 physical auction venues nationwide, holding auctions every week. The company strives to increase membership in each region and aims to become the top auction venue in every area.
To facilitate participation from remote locations, USS offers two external bidding channels:
Satellite TV Auction
Internet Auction
These systems allow participants to bid from anywhere, ensuring accessibility and convenience.
However, USS Auto Auction requires membership registration, and the requirements for registration are quite strict. Additionally, the overall structure of Japan's auto auctions operates as a B2B platform, meaning that the general public cannot participate. If you wish to connect to USS Auto Auction, please complete the free membership registration or contact us via the contact form.
To ensure a stable supply of high-quality used cars for the auction, USS operates a nationwide network of used car buying specialty stores called "Rabbit". These stores purchase vehicles directly from end users and list them in USS auctions.
By analyzing the latest auction market trends, USS provides competitive purchase prices, securing high-quality vehicles while expanding its market share.
Recycling Business
Through its subsidiaries, USS engages in vehicle scrapping, small home appliance recycling, and other recycling activities.
Utilizing its unique recycling technology and plant design expertise, USS contributes to the realization of a circular economy by promoting sustainable resource utilization.
Scale of USS Auto Auction
USS Auto Auction boasts an industry-leading scale, with a total of 3.08 million vehicles listed and 1.98 million vehicles sold in the 2023 fiscal year, as well as a total membership of 48,123 companies. The company holds a 39.6% market share in the auto auction industry.
For instance, USS Tokyo Auction House is an enormous venue with a site area of 167,200 tsubo (equivalent to 11 Tokyo Domes), where a massive number of used cars are traded every week. In 2023, USS Tokyo achieved a record-breaking 744,873 vehicles listed and 487,298 vehicles sold. This unprecedented number of listings has firmly established USS Tokyo as an attractive venue for both sellers and buyers, solidifying its reputation as a “place where vehicles sell” and a “place where vehicles can be bought.”
If you would like to learn more about the scale of USS, please refer to the DAAE BOOK.＞ DATA BOOK
History
USS Auto Auction was established in 1980 as Aichi Automobile General Service Co., Ltd. At the time, the used car market was plagued by poor-quality vehicles, and fair transactions were not always ensured. To address these issues, founder Mr. Hattori and a group of used car dealers in Aichi Prefecture came together to create a fair and transparent used car auction business.
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In 1982, USS opened its first permanent on-site auction venue, USS Nagoya Auto Auction, in Tokai City, Aichi Prefecture. The first auction was held with 255 listed vehicles. Along with the launch of the Nagoya venue, USS introduced a host computer system that automated auction bidding and tax calculations—an innovative step for the auto auction industry at the time. This advancement demonstrated USS’s role in modernizing the used car distribution market.
In 1994, USS established its Tokyo auction house in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, securing extensive parking space and aiming to provide one of the industry’s best vehicle inventories. In 1995, USS launched satellite-based television auctions, enabling nationwide dealers to participate in auctions remotely.
USS Auto Auction has continued acquiring various auction companies across Japan, implementing its system into struggling businesses as part of its restructuring strategy. This approach has driven industry consolidation, with USS leading the restructuring of the used car auction sector. In 1999, USS was listed on the Nagoya Stock Exchange Second Section, followed by listings on both the Tokyo and Nagoya Stock Exchange First Sections in 2000. Today, USS operates 19 auction venues across Japan.
In recent years, USS has actively promoted further industry consolidation, acquiring competitors such as JAA (Japan Auto Auction) and expanding its influence in the market.
Vehicles Handled at USS Auction
USS Auto Auction gathers a diverse range of vehicles from across Japan, from compact kei cars to rare and classic models. The auction features vehicles of various ages, from older models to newer, high-year models. For example, on a given auction day, listings may include everyday vehicles like the Suzuki Wagon R, as well as luxury cars like Lamborghini and Ferrari. This wide variety allows many buyers to find vehicles that match their specific needs.
Condition of Vehicles Listed at Auction
USS Auto Auction implements strict inspection standards to ensure accurate vehicle condition assessments. Certified USS vehicle inspectors examine each car and assign a rating based on a 10-point grading system. This rating considers multiple factors, including exterior and interior condition, engine performance, and repair history. Specifically, the evaluation criteria include:
Exterior: Scratches, dents, rust, etc.
Interior: Seat stains, tears, dashboard cracks, etc.
Engine: Unusual noises, oil leaks, etc.
Repair history: Frame repairs, part replacements, etc.
In addition to the grading score, a separate Interior & Exterior Condition Rating is provided on a scale from A to E, offering further details about any visible wear and damage.
For more details on USS auction grading criteria, please refer to:
USS also employs a Mileage Management System to detect odometer tampering and verify past water damage or repair history. All inspection data is stored in a database, accessible to members via dedicated terminals or the internet. By offering such detailed evaluations, USS ensures a reliable bidding environment where buyers can participate with confidence.
For more information on mileage integrity and how we maintain transparency:
The USS Auto Auction follows a structured process:
Vehicle Arrival
USS
Vehicles for auction must be delivered to the venue by the morning of the previous day.
STEP
1
Inspection & Registration
USS
USS inspectors evaluate each vehicle and assign a grade. The inspection results are recorded in the database, allowing buyers to review the vehicle's condition.
STEP
2
Previewing
Customer
Buyers can check vehicle information via dedicated terminals or the internet before auction day, and they can also inspect the vehicles in person at the venue.
STEP
3
Bidding
Provide Cars
On auction day, participants enter the auction venue and place bids using dedicated terminals. Auctions are categorized by vehicle type, with 4 to 10 vehicles auctioned simultaneously. The bidding process is extremely fast, with one vehicle being sold approximately every 20 seconds.
STEP
4
Winning Bid
Customer
Once a bid is won, the buyer must complete payment for the vehicle.
To understand market trends, buyers should review past auction results and visit auction venues to develop a sense of pricing. USS provides monthly data reports and real-time auction performance updates, allowing members to track past auction trends and gain insight into pricing.
For a convenient way to check vehicle market prices, explore Provide Cars' advanced pricing tools:
Extensive Vehicle Listings : As Japan’s largest used car auction, USS offers an extensive variety of vehicles.
Proximity to Major Export Ports: Many USS auction venues are located near key export ports, minimizing domestic transportation costs and avoiding excessive additional fees.
There is also a tool available to check the distance from auction venues to major ports.
Why Choose Provide Cars?
Official Membership at All Japanese Auto Auctions
Japanese auto auctions operate as B2B (business-to-business) platforms, meaning general consumers cannot participate directly. Furthermore, auction participation requires strict membership screening and registration fees, which is why many used car dealers and exporters rely on intermediary auction agents rather than becoming direct auction members. However, using an intermediary adds extra fees, which ultimately increases the final cost for end consumers.
Provide Cars is a direct official member of all major Japanese auto auctions, eliminating the need for middlemen and their associated fees. Additionally, we do not charge any membership registration fees.
For those who want to learn more about Provide CarsStaff ＞ About Provide Cars
Seamless Service from Proxy Bidding to Export
Once you complete the free membership registration, we handle the entire process on your behalf. From proxy bidding to vehicle delivery, customers receive notifications but do not need to take any action.
Our comprehensive services include:
Transport arrangements from the auction venue to the shipping yard
Vehicle deregistration and export cancellation procedures
Sign up for a free membership to explore the vehicles available in Japanese auto auctions. As a free member, you can:
Access unlimited free translations of auction sheets
Consult our agents regarding auction participation and import regulations
Learn More About Auto Auctions
We provide various informational pages to help customers understand the Japanese auto auction system:
Major Auto Auction Houses Explore details about leading auctions such as USS, TAA, CAA, and others auction.
Distances from Auction Venues to Major Export Ports Understanding the distance between auction houses and export ports is crucial for avoiding excessive inland transportation costs. Our interactive page allows you to select an auction location and see the corresponding distance to major ports.
How to Import Vehicles Through Auctions We provide a step-by-step guide for customers who wish to purchase vehicles through Provide Cars and import them to their country.
Recently Purchased Vehicles This page showcases some of the vehicles successfully purchased through Provide Cars. Additionally, our social media channels share auction results daily on business days, so be sure to check them out!
