Apple International

Basic Information

Stock Code
2788
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Automobile Retailers
Prefecture
Mie Prefecture
Establishment Year
January 1996
Listing Year
December 2003
Official Website
http://www.apple-international.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Auto W, YKT, Nextage, Trust, Bike King, Aucnet, U.S.S., Up Garage Group, Wellbeing Group, IDOM, Optimus Group, Keiyu Holdings

Overview

Apple International, founded in 1996, is a leading domestic company in used car exports, purchases, and sales, with strengths in regionally rooted quality and expansion into the Asian market.

Current Situation

Apple International recorded consolidated sales of 13.6 billion yen for the fiscal year ended December 2017, continuing steady growth. It possesses extensive networks domestically and internationally in its core businesses of used car exports and purchase/sales, particularly strengthening competitiveness in overseas markets centered on Asia. It has experience with capital and business alliances with Isuzu Motors, focusing on collaborations within the automotive industry. In recent years, it has expanded into used car auction operations and used parts handling, providing one-stop services. The company considers sustainable logistics and effective resource utilization, actively working to reduce the environmental impact of used car distribution. Moving forward, it plans to expand sales channels domestically and internationally, promote business efficiency through IT, and pursue medium- to long-term growth strategies incorporating digital transformation. Amid intensifying market competition, it continues to strengthen quality management and customer service improvements to establish a stable business foundation.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Growth company that listed on TSE Mothers just 7 years after founding.
  • Rare used car company with experience in capital and business alliance with Isuzu Motors.
  • Locally rooted in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, but also conducts global business.
  • Significantly contributes to industry distribution efficiency through used car auction operations.
  • Strengths in purchases and sales not only of used cars but also used motorcycles and parts.
  • Possesses stable management base with capital of 4.3 billion yen.
  • Nationwide expansion of purchase chain in Japanese market with high recognition.
  • Receives thick trust from long-time automotive industry insiders.
  • Pioneered introduction of IT-utilized auction systems ahead of peers.
  • Promotes environmentally and community-friendly used car recycling business.

Hidden Connections

  • Deep relationship with major domestic automaker Isuzu Motors from past alliance.
  • Holds strong influence over entire used car distribution through subsidiary Apple Auto Network.
  • Extensive collaborations with local business partners in Asia via used car exports.
  • Promotes industry information transparency using IT platforms to gain trust.
  • Provides convenience to local users through advanced online services despite local roots.
  • Differentiates from competitors through in-house vehicle transport network.
  • Higher than industry average customer satisfaction via proprietary used car warranty system.
  • Participates in public-private environmental support programs through eco-friendly initiatives.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding used car demand and market activation centered on Southeast Asia
  • Dramatic improvements in sales and operations efficiency through IT technology adoption
  • Increasing needs for used car maintenance and warranty services
  • Growth in recycled parts market accompanying strengthened environmental regulations
  • Increasing exports due to expanding middle-income class in emerging countries
  • Business opportunities linked to vehicle sharing and leasing markets
  • Strengthening quality management systems for overseas markets
  • Stabilization of after-sales service related revenue
  • Improved delivery efficiency through logistics network expansion
  • Increasing direct sales from rising online purchasing awareness among consumers
  • Business base expansion through strengthened domestic and international partnerships
  • Improved corporate image through proactive eco-friendly product deployment

Strategic Goals

  • Establish position as leading company in domestic used car distribution
  • Expand overseas export ratio centered on Asia to over 30%
  • Achieve 50% online sales transaction ratio through strengthened IT infrastructure
  • Increase recycled parts sales ratio to 25% for reduced environmental impact
  • Double sales in vehicle maintenance and warranty services business
  • Expand new customer acquisition through digital marketing utilization
  • Strengthen collaboration with new car sales channels for total car life proposals
  • Reduce overall logistics CO2 emissions by 30% considering sustainability
  • Enhance employee environmental awareness and training programs
  • Establish industry standards for transparency and safety in vehicle distribution

Business Segments

Used Car Wholesale Sales

Overview
Comprehensive provision of diverse vehicles and services to used car dealers and corporations.
Competitiveness
Nationwide network and high-quality management system
Customers
  • Used car dealers
  • Auction members
  • Corporate customers
  • Used car sellers
  • Exporters
  • Local sales stores
  • Repair shops
  • Rental car companies
  • Car lease companies
  • Local governments
Products
  • Used passenger cars
  • Used commercial vehicles
  • Used motorcycles
  • Vehicle auction system
  • Vehicle management services
  • Export used car packages
  • Inspection and maintenance parts
  • Connected car related devices
  • Used parts sales
  • Vehicle logistics services

Export Business Support Services

Overview
Comprehensive support services for promoting overseas exports of domestic used cars.
Competitiveness
Multifaceted support system well-versed in overseas markets
Customers
  • Overseas sales agents
  • Overseas auto importers
  • Overseas logistics companies
  • Overseas financial institutions
  • Overseas insurance companies
  • Overseas auction operators
  • Overseas inspection and repair companies
  • Overseas regulatory compliance consultants
  • Local auto sales stores
  • International transport companies
Products
  • Used car export packages
  • Overseas quality assurance services
  • Export logistics support
  • Local market research
  • Overseas sales network development
  • International trade procedure agency
  • Vehicle transport services
  • Overseas premium used car introductions
  • Export customization
  • Export financial support services

Auction Operations Business

Overview
Provides auction operations and support services to improve used car distribution efficiency.
Competitiveness
Enhanced IT infrastructure for transparency and participant convenience
Customers
  • Used car distributors
  • Used car purchasers
  • Individual sellers
  • Corporate sellers
  • Local sales stores
  • Repair shops
  • Financial institutions
  • Industry associations
Products
  • Used car auction platform
  • Membership management system
  • Listing and bidding support services
  • Vehicle inspection services
  • Post-auction logistics coordination
  • Payment agency services
  • Auction data provision
  • Auction participation support

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Services

Overview
Offers inspection and maintenance services to improve used car quality.
Competitiveness
Proprietary inspection technology and local maintenance network
Customers
  • Used car sales stores
  • Car lease companies
  • Rental car companies
  • Repair shops
  • Corporate customers
  • Vehicle owning companies
  • Insurance companies
  • Market players
Products
  • Periodic inspection services
  • Inspection agency services
  • Fault diagnosis services
  • Maintenance packages
  • Repair parts supply
  • After-sales services
  • Quality assurance services

Vehicle Logistics and Transport Services

Overview
Specializes in nationwide transport of used cars and parts with safe and rapid logistics.
Competitiveness
In-house managed transport network and high safety standards
Customers
  • Used car sales stores
  • Auction companies
  • Customer corporations
  • Logistics companies
  • Manufacturers
  • Loading/unloading companies
  • Import/export companies
  • Repair shops
Products
  • Vehicle land transport
  • Vehicle storage
  • Transport arrangement consultation
  • Nationwide network transport
  • Export logistics management

IT System Provision Business

Overview
Provides IT solutions to support efficiency in used car transactions.
Competitiveness
Industry-specific customization and high usability
Customers
  • Used car sales companies
  • Auction members
  • Vehicle management companies
  • Logistics companies
  • Financial institutions
  • Insurance companies
  • Regulatory compliance specialists
Products
  • Used car sales management system
  • Auction platform
  • Vehicle tracking system
  • Data analysis tools
  • Sales support software
  • Customer management app

Vehicle Finance and Insurance Services

Overview
Offers a wide variety of financial and insurance products for used car purchases.
Competitiveness
Immediate approval response and diverse insurance lineup
Customers
  • Used car buyers
  • Sales stores
  • Lease companies
  • Corporate customers
  • Insurance agencies
Products
  • Auto loans
  • Lease contracts
  • Optional insurance agency services
  • Accident response services

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Nationwide used car purchase and sales network
  • Abundant overseas export experience and Asia market expertise
  • Stable capital base and experienced management team
  • IT-utilized auction and sales support systems
  • Long years of used car quality management know-how
  • One-stop provision of diverse vehicle-related services
  • Comprehensive after-sales services and maintenance system
  • Rapid vehicle appraisals and cash conversion services
  • Strong trust relationships with customers and brand recognition
  • Export quality assurance system compliant with overseas standards
  • Locally rooted sales channel deployment
  • Stability from diversified revenue sources
  • High expertise in used car and motorcycle markets
  • Flexible sales policies and local needs responsiveness
  • Industry collaboration foundation from capital alliance experience

Competitive Advantages

  • Maximizes customer touchpoints through both nationwide physical stores and online used car sales
  • Achieves high trust and satisfaction via rigorous certified used car process
  • Rapid expansion possible into growing Southeast Asian markets leveraging overseas export network
  • Promotes distribution efficiency and market transparency through used car auction operations
  • Revenue diversification via synergy with vehicle maintenance, insurance, finance, and related businesses
  • Ongoing development of appraisal and sales efficiency improvements and customer benefits through IT adoption
  • Builds differentiated customer base through locally rooted service deployment
  • Superior product provision possible over competitors due to long-cultivated vehicle quality know-how
  • Promotes customer loyalty through brand recognition and service充実
  • Enhances customer satisfaction with total services including leases, loans, and insurance
  • Maintains competitive edge through integration of multiple sales channels and efficient logistics network
  • High responsiveness to diverse customer needs in models and vehicle classes
  • Implements sustainable management considering environment through eco-friendly recycling business
  • Maintains industry-top-class after-sales service quality to gain customer trust
  • Accumulated management know-how from past capital and business alliances with major companies

Threats

  • Intensifying domestic used car market competition leading to price wars
  • Risk of fluctuations in used car demand due to strengthened new car sales
  • Potential regulatory tightening and trade barriers in Southeast Asian countries
  • Impact of supply chain logistics delays and cost increases
  • Changes in used car market structure due to vehicle EV transition
  • Overseas market destabilization from geopolitical risks
  • Exchange rate fluctuations affecting export price competitiveness
  • Restrictions on some vehicle transactions from strengthened environmental and emissions regulations
  • Risk of declining social trust from used car fraud or misrepresentations
  • Mobility shift from ownership to sharing among consumers
  • Market penetration by emerging used car sales platforms
  • Decline in consumer sentiment from COVID-19 or similar social unrest

Innovations

2022: Introduction of Digital Appraisal and Sales Platform

Overview
Developed system enabling online used car appraisals and sales to improve customer convenience.
Impact
Appraisal requests increased 30% year-over-year, sales efficiency improved

2023: Strengthening IT Infrastructure for Used Car Auctions

Overview
Implemented platform improvements enabling remote bidding and real-time vehicle information provision.
Impact
Participant numbers up 10%, contributed to increased transaction volume

2024: Enhancement of Vehicle Quality Management for Asian Markets

Overview
Expanded inspection and warranty programs for export vehicles to better meet local needs.
Impact
Contributed to 15% improvement in customer satisfaction

2021: Expansion of Used Car Recycling Business

Overview
Promoted reuse of used parts aiming for environmental consideration and profitability improvement.
Impact
Achieved waste reduction and improved profit margins

2023: Introduction of Vehicle Transport Network Optimization System

Overview
Achieved cost reduction and delivery shortening through AI-optimized transport routes.
Impact
Transport costs down 10%, delivery times shortened 15%

2020: Enhancement of Used Car Warranty Program

Overview
Introduced extended warranty periods and maintenance cost subsidies to improve customer reassurance.
Impact
Repeat rate increased 5%

2021: Release of Smartphone Appraisal App

Overview
Launched official app for easy used car appraisal requests via smartphone.
Impact
Appraisal users increased 20%

2024: Introduction of Environmentally Friendly Logistics

Overview
Began partial switch to electric trucks for used car transport to reduce environmental impact.
Impact
CO2 emissions reduced 5%

Sustainability

  • Promoting used car reuse to reduce waste
  • CO2 emissions reduction through electric vehicle adoption in transport
  • Improving quality and promoting recycled parts
  • Logistics efficiency improvements considering reduced environmental impact
  • Expanding environmental education support activities for local communities
  • Business development based on sustainable resource utilization philosophy
  • Strengthening vehicle inspection systems for safety and environmental compliance
  • Ensuring supply chain transparency and thorough legal compliance
  • Strengthening corporate environmental and social governance
  • Implementing employee environmental awareness programs