General Motors has announced that it is consolidating imports to Japan, terminating the cooperation with its local partner, Mitsui Bussan. The move, which will go into effect on November 1, is intended to improve GM’s image and, more importantly, streamline the sales process.
Since 1992, Mitsui Bussan has imported a total of 12,000 GM models that were mostly sold through its own dealer network, although some were distributed by GM official dealers. Its sales have been falling since 1995.
So far, GM’s penetration in the Japanese market is small, but the American company wants to change that by improving both its Chevrolet and Cadillac brands position.
This will be achieved not only by improving its network but also with the introduction of new models like the Camaro, the Captiva crossover and, later this year, the Sonic sub-compact.
Story source: Autonews [Sub. req.]
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