Autobacs Seven

Basic Information

Stock Code
9832
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Specialty Stores & Drugstores
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
February 1947
Listing Year
March 1989
Official Website
https://www.autobacs.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Onoya Kiko, Autowave, Hotman, Buffalo, Sun Life Holdings, A.E. Group, Fuji Corporation, Yellow Hat

Overview

Autobacs Seven is a leading car accessories retailer founded in 1947, operating franchises nationwide as the industry leader.

Current Situation

Autobacs Seven achieved consolidated sales of approximately 220.4 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 10.6 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2021, boasting one of the largest scales among car accessory specialty stores in Japan. It operates various store formats, including its flagship Autobacs and Super Autobacs stores, offering not only car accessories but also car buying/selling and vehicle inspection services. The company is strengthening its imported car dealership business through subsidiaries and expanding into new growth areas such as EV solutions. It is promoting the installation of charging stations for environmental considerations and enhancing digital services like the car life support information service 'MOBILA.' With a regionally rooted franchise model, it has a nationwide network, high brand recognition, and a strong customer base. It differentiates from competitors through its own brands, franchise support system, and wide range of products and services. Moving forward, it aims for sustainable growth by strengthening EV-related services and pursuing a long-term growth strategy.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Autobacs is known as Japan's first comprehensive car accessories specialty store.
  • The 'Seven' in the company name derives from the philosophy of always adding a seventh product to the six handled items.
  • The Super Autobacs logo is modeled after the Stars and Stripes.
  • Founder Toshiro Sumino opened Japan's first specialty store after study tour in the US.
  • Franchise expansion began in 1975, leading the industry.
  • Early focus on EV infrastructure for environmental response.
  • Since 2018, expanding lifestyle proposal brands.
  • Employs approximately 4,000 consolidated employees nationwide.
  • Once listed on the London Stock Exchange.
  • Many celebrities have appeared in TV commercials.

Hidden Connections

  • Deep ties with various companies as a member of Sanwa Group and Midori-kai.
  • Autobacs T-card partners with Culture Convenience Club to expand user base.
  • Deep relations with motorsports, including past F1 sponsorship and Le Mans 24 Hours support.
  • Strengthens growth opportunities through partnerships with EV-related companies and Mitsubishi Corporation Group.
  • Outdoor brand GORDON MILLER depicts lifestyle in Perth, Western Australia.
  • Proprietary brand JACK&MARIE expanding customer base via e-commerce including ZOZOTOWN.
  • Gas station business operates independently rather than under other company signs.
  • High market penetration in regions through many franchise affiliates.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Rapid increase in EV market expansion and related service demand
  • Utilization of nationwide franchise store network
  • New customer acquisition via digital platforms
  • Expansion of responses to diversifying car life needs
  • Expansion into outdoor and lifestyle markets
  • Boom in used car sales and car purchase markets
  • Increasing demand for eco-products amid stricter environmental regulations
  • Stable nationwide vehicle inspection demand
  • Cost reductions through logistics efficiency
  • Maintaining competitive edge through brand power

Strategic Goals

  • Maintain and expand top share in domestic car accessories market
  • Install EV charging infrastructure at over 100 stores nationwide
  • Over 3 million digital service users
  • Maintain largest industry scale in franchise store count
  • Over 50% ratio of sustainable products and services
  • Achieve annual sales over 300 billion yen
  • 30% reduction in CO2 emissions toward lower environmental impact
  • Over 20% composition from new businesses
  • Achieve industry-leading service quality through human resource development
  • Expand CSR activities in collaboration with local communities

Business Segments

Car Accessories Wholesale

Overview
Wholesale business stably supplying car accessories to franchisees and supporting the nationwide store network.
Competitiveness
Rapid logistics system via nationwide network
Customers
  • Franchise stores
  • Independent car accessory stores
  • Repair shops
  • Corporate customers (rental car companies, etc.)
Products
  • Tires
  • Oils
  • Batteries
  • Car accessories

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Services

Overview
Deploys safe and reliable inspection and maintenance services at directly operated and franchise stores.
Competitiveness
Advanced specialized technology and nationwide uniform quality standards
Customers
  • Individual customers
  • Corporate fleet management companies
  • Franchise stores
Products
  • Periodic inspections
  • Parts replacement
  • Inspection agency
  • Maintenance packages

Vehicle Sales and Used Car Purchases

Overview
Nationwide new and used car sales and purchase services.
Competitiveness
Extensive sales network and rapid appraisal response
Customers
  • General consumers
  • Corporate vehicle managers
  • Rental car companies
Products
  • Used car sales
  • New car sales
  • Online appraisal services
  • Purchase services

EV Solutions Business

Overview
Promotes EV infrastructure development and related services.
Competitiveness
Deployment power through collaboration with Mitsubishi Corporation Group
Customers
  • EV owners
  • Corporate fleet management
  • Local governments
Products
  • Rapid charger installation
  • EV maintenance services
  • Electrical work services

Lifestyle Proposal Products

Overview
Provides product lineup adding value to car life.
Competitiveness
Expansion of proprietary brands GORDON MILLER and JACK&MARIE
Customers
  • Individual customers
  • Outdoor enthusiasts
  • Fashion-oriented customers
Products
  • Outdoor gear
  • Men's and women's apparel
  • Garage house related

Advertising and Promotion Support

Overview
Supports franchise sales promotion and brand strengthening.
Competitiveness
Extensive network from nationwide franchises
Customers
  • Franchise owners
  • Car accessory manufacturers
  • Local event operators
Products
  • Ad creation
  • Sales promotion event planning
  • Digital marketing support

Financial Services

Overview
Provides financial products related to vehicle purchases and services.
Competitiveness
Comprehensive handling by Autobacs Financial Services
Customers
  • Individual customers
  • Corporate contractors
Products
  • Vehicle loans
  • Insurance agency operations
  • Financial add-ons for maintenance packages

IT System Provision

Overview
Information system services supporting store operation efficiency.
Competitiveness
High usability of proprietary developed systems
Customers
  • Franchise stores
  • Internal management departments
Products
  • Sales management systems
  • Logistics tracking
  • Customer points management

Logistics and Delivery Services

Overview
Builds rapid and reliable logistics system.
Competitiveness
Efficient delivery network via nationwide bases
Customers
  • Own stores
  • Franchise stores
Products
  • Car accessory delivery
  • Parts inventory management
  • Last-mile logistics

Human Resources Development and Training Services

Overview
Supports human resource development for high-quality service provision.
Competitiveness
Comprehensive specialized training programs
Customers
  • Directly operated store staff
  • Franchise store staff
Products
  • Sales technique training
  • Customer service manners courses
  • Maintenance technology education

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Industry-leading brand power
  • Nationwide franchise store network
  • Diverse car accessories and services
  • Comprehensive vehicle inspection/maintenance and used car sales system
  • Active investment in EV-related businesses
  • Differentiation through proprietary brands
  • Advanced logistics and sales management systems
  • Stable financial position backed by capital strength
  • Strengthening digital service rollout
  • Years of market experience and know-how

Competitive Advantages

  • Strong support system for franchise stores
  • High recognition of Autobacs and Super Autobacs stores
  • Rapid supply via nationwide logistics network
  • Wide product lineup and diverse services
  • Multifaceted business expansion utilizing multiple subsidiaries
  • Strong customer base from regionally rooted store operations
  • EV/car life information platform rollout
  • Strengthening related businesses like gas stations through capital alliances
  • Overwhelming market share in car accessories industry
  • Development and sales of proprietary products leveraging brand power

Threats

  • Intense price competition with rivals
  • Market maturity and stagnation in car accessories demand
  • Changes in market structure due to electrification and autonomous driving in automotive industry
  • Risk of declining consumer sentiment from economic fluctuations
  • Rising business costs from stricter regulations
  • Intensifying competition with emerging e-commerce platforms
  • Challenges in talent acquisition and tight labor market
  • Product restrictions from strengthened environmental regulations
  • Rising raw material and logistics costs
  • Changes in customer demographics due to aging population and declining birthrate

Innovations

2024: Full Entry into EV Solutions Business

Overview
Partnered with Car Frontier from Mitsubishi Corporation Group to strengthen rapid charger installation and operations.
Impact
Contributes to expansion of new EV customer base

2023: Launch of Car Life Information Platform 'MOBILA'

Overview
Rolled out a digital platform providing diverse car life support information and services.
Impact
Strengthens customer touchpoints and promotes new service development

2022: Signed Official Dealer Agreement with BYD Auto Japan

Overview
Began rollout as official sales outlet for emerging EV brand BYD.
Impact
Strengthens competitiveness in EV market

2025: Acquisition of Tire Specialty Store Beeline to Strengthen Sales Network

Overview
Made tire specialty store mainly in Kyushu a wholly-owned subsidiary to expand tire sales.
Impact
Improves regionally rooted sales capabilities

2024: New Subsidiary Gordon Miller Strengthens Lifestyle Brand

Overview
Expanded lifestyle proposal products related to car life.
Impact
Expands customer base and enhances brand value

Sustainability

  • Promoting rapid charger installation at 100 stores nationwide
  • Promoting introduction of environmentally friendly equipment at gas stations
  • Participating in environmental conservation activities with local communities
  • Expanding resource-saving and renewable energy use
  • Promoting car accessory recycling and waste reduction
  • Building sustainable logistics system
  • Expanding environmentally friendly products
  • Reducing paper resources through digital tools
  • Promoting environmental education for employees
  • Eco-driving awareness campaigns for customers