How popular are left-hand drive cars in Japan

How popular are left-hand drive cars in Japan

Japan is the birthplace of many iconic vehicles. As one of the largest vehicle manufacturing countries in the world, Japan continues to captivate drivers globally. Japan’s automotive industry has a sense of mystery to it as well. The vehicles that are produced for the domestic market are different from the ones built for the outside world. Japan has some pretty solid power cars domestically which certain countries don’t allow. While the Japanese produce cars in countries around the world, the ones produced to use locally are certainly going to be right-hand drive.

In certain instances, you will find that the same vehicle is available in both RHD and LHD configures. Since the automotive industry in Japan is not focused merely on the domestic market and most of the vehicles produced are exported, the country has a balance between driving RHD and LHD vehicles.

How come left-hand drive cars are available in Japan? Well if you browse through the thousands of cars available on Japanese auto auctions, you will notice there are plenty of left hand drive vehicles available in the country. It’s not at all uncommon to see American cars from Japan with left hand drive.

Is it legal to use left hand drive vehicles in Japan? The simple answer is, yes it is. The country allows both left and right hand drive cars. While you will obviously see drivers on the right hand wheel most commonly, it’s not surprising to see left hand drive LHD in Japan. It’s no surprise that with the systematic approach that the country takes, that you find ticket toll machines made especially for left hand drive vehicles.

It’s an interesting fact that it is a status symbol in Japan to drive a left hand drive vehicle. If you want to show off your wealth then invest in a car from abroad. This is one reason why the Japanese auctions are brimming with left hand drive vehicles from BMW. Benz and Porsche. Many of these luxury vehicles have low mileage since the owners rarely drive them and it’s generally left for special occasions.

Have you ever wondered why German LHD cars sold at Japanese auto auctions are cheap?

• The depreciation levels in a brand new car purchased in Japan are probably the steepest in the world.
• Since the Japanese prefer to use the train than drive on a daily basis so a vehicle from the JDM will most probably have much lower mileage.
• The luxury car market in Japan is most for brand new cars. The used car market for luxury LHD vehicles in Japan does exist but it’s mostly for the international market and not for the domestic buyers.