Yanase (car dealership)

As of the year 2002, Yanase had the rights of exclusive retailer of Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Volvo, Saab, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Smart vehicles to Japanese consumers.

[1] Yanase was born in Toyooka village (now Takasaki), Usui, Gunma, Japan December 5, 1879, and died July 11, 1956.

The automobile business was in danger of going bankrupt, until the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923, where his company was instrumental in importing General Motors GMC trucks to help with the disaster recovery efforts, and continued to provide vehicles as the transportation infrastructure was rebuilt.

Mr. Yanase was abroad on a business trip, and when he learned there was an earthquake back home, he immediately exported to Japan 2,000 Chevrolet Superior trucks to assist in the recovery efforts.

[2] During the economic expansion period starting in the early 1970s, Yanase dealerships progressed across Japan as a retailer of imported vehicles that had a luxury reputation.

Yanase therefore focuses on its European and American car dealership network, facing new rivals such as Seibu Department Stores.