Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the issue of car resale prices in Japan, particularly focusing on the Suzuki "Jimny Nomad" and Toyota's popular models, highlighting the phenomenon of new cars being resold at significantly higher prices than their original retail prices due to supply shortages and high demand [2][4][10]. Group 1: Pricing and Resale Market - The Suzuki "Jimny Nomad" is priced between 2.651 million to 2.75 million yen (approximately 118,300 to 122,700 RMB), with its average resale price soaring to 4.69 million yen (about 209,300 RMB), reaching 1.7 times its original price shortly after launch [4]. - As of November 2025, the resale price of the "Jimny Nomad" remains high at 3.96 million yen (around 176,700 RMB), which is still over 1.5 times the new car price, indicating a persistent demand despite an increase in new car supply [4][5]. - The Toyota "Land Cruiser 250," launched in April 2024, has also seen its resale prices exceed new car prices, with average resale prices reaching 7.42 million yen (approximately 331,100 RMB) by November 2025, significantly higher than its original price range of 5.2 million to 7.35 million yen (about 232,100 to 328,000 RMB) [7][10]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - The phenomenon of high resale prices is attributed to a growing number of consumers purchasing vehicles with the intent to resell, creating an unhealthy market structure where new buyers are forced to pay above the retail price [7][10]. - The article notes that the resale market is not limited to the "Jimny Nomad," as other models like the Toyota "Alphard" have also experienced similar trends, with initial resale prices significantly higher than their launch prices before gradually decreasing [8][10]. - Suzuki's management acknowledges the unhealthy state of the market, comparing it to the trading of collectible items, indicating a need for industry-wide strategies to address the resale issue and stabilize prices [7][10]. Group 3: Industry Responses - In response to the resale market challenges, Suzuki has implemented measures such as limiting orders to one vehicle per household and requiring customers to sign agreements regarding vehicle ownership duration [10]. - However, efforts to combat resale practices face challenges, including potential legal issues related to antitrust laws, as seen with Toyota's sales conditions for the "Alphard" [10]. - The article emphasizes the necessity for the automotive industry to establish appropriate pricing strategies and comprehensive measures to mitigate the resale market's impact on consumer access and brand value [10].

Core Viewpoint - Toyota and Daimler Trucks have reached a final agreement to merge their subsidiaries, Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, by April 2026, aiming to create a new holding company and list it on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, significantly impacting the competitive landscape of Japan's commercial vehicle sector [2][3]. Group 1: Merger Details - Toyota currently holds 50.11% of Hino, while Daimler Trucks owns 89.3% of Mitsubishi Fuso. The new holding company will be jointly owned, with both companies holding 25% of the shares, but with differing voting rights [3]. - The new company will be headquartered in Tokyo, employing over 40,000 staff, with Karl Deppen, the current CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso, appointed as CEO of the new entity [3]. - The merger aims to enhance competitiveness in the global commercial vehicle market by integrating resources and maintaining brand and sales networks in Japan and overseas [8]. Group 2: Background and Challenges - The merger follows a scandal involving Hino's falsification of engine emissions and fuel efficiency data, which severely impacted its financial performance, leading to significant losses in fiscal years 2021 and 2022 [4]. - Hino faced collective lawsuits in multiple markets, including the U.S. and Australia, but reached a $1.2 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in January 2025, allowing merger negotiations to progress [5]. - The merger is seen as a strategic response to the urgent need for the commercial vehicle industry to transition towards electrification and automation, with significant investments required to remain competitive [8]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The merger is viewed as a critical move for Japan's automotive industry to adapt to global supply chain restructuring, aiming to enhance bargaining power and risk resilience in the market [9]. - Both companies plan to collaborate on next-generation technologies, including decarbonization and autonomous driving, leveraging Toyota's e-TNGA electric platform and fuel cell technology [9]. - The merger is expected to solidify Japan's position in traditional markets like Southeast Asia and the Middle East, especially in light of the rapid expansion of Chinese commercial vehicle brands [10].

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso aims to enhance competitiveness in R&D, procurement, and production within the commercial vehicle sector [1][5]. Group 1: Merger Details - Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso will establish a holding company headquartered in Tokyo, with both companies becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of the new entity [3]. - Daimler Trucks and Toyota will each hold a 25% stake in the new company, which will employ over 40,000 people, with Karl Deppen from Mitsubishi Fuso serving as CEO [3]. Group 2: Factory Transfer - Hino announced the transfer of its vehicle and parts factory located in Hamura, Tokyo, to Toyota, which has been operational since 1963, primarily producing small trucks for both Hino and Toyota brands [4]. Group 3: Previous Agreements - The four companies had reached a preliminary agreement in May 2023 to merge their commercial vehicle operations by the end of 2024, but the final agreement was delayed indefinitely due to Hino's engine certification fraud issue [5].