USS Business

Three unique businesses

Net sales by business FY ended March 31, 2025

Auto auction business

Auto auction sites support trouble-free circulation of used vehicles. USS currently supports bidding from outside the premises through dedicated terminal and internet auctions around 19 auction sites throughout Japan.

SWOT analysis Description Responses & Countermeasures
Strength The largest number of members and vehicles in Japan's auto auction industry
Highly advanced vehicle inspection technologies
Maintain fair and equitable transactions and improve technologies
Implement a short-term intensive vehicle inspector training program
Weakness An insufficient number of vehicles procured by Group companies for auction due to inadequate Group collaboration
A labor shortage including automotive inspectors and document verification staff
Develop systems under the "50% Market Share" strategic project and strengthen Group collaboration through the introduction of new services
Recruit new employees and improve the workplace environment through the "Workplace Environment Improvement Project" and other initiatives
Opportunity Replacement demand due to the increased supply of new vehicles within Japan
Increased sophistication and diversification of AI technologies
Implement new membership system eliminating the need for guarantors
Introduce new services by linking VIN numbers and improve member convenience by improving provided images of vehicles
Threat Stagnation in land transport due to lack of drivers
Pressure from manufacturer-affiliated auto auctions
Review various measures such as improving the operational efficiency of auto auction sites and establishing vehicle storage lot depots
Provide new services to specialized used car dealers

Used vehicle purchasing and selling business

The Rabbit Car Network is launching chains and franchises in all areas of Japan as stores specializing in the purchase of used vehicles from end users. This is the backbone to lively auto auctions. Although most of the vehicles that are bought are sold at auction, some are sold through retail channels.

SWOT analysis Description Responses & Countermeasures
Strength A business model closely linked to USS auctions
A trusted brand in the used car purchasing market
Develop business through better Group cooperation
Strengthen corporate branding with a focus on reliability and trust
Weakness Delays in online systems and other digital transformation efforts
Human resource recruitment, development and retention
Expand roll-out of new appraisal system and leverage systems developed by USS
Expand personnel recruiting budget and methods, and review and improve work styles
Opportunity Strong demand in other countries for used vehicles made in Japan
Deterioration in perceived corporate image due to fraud by other companies in the industry
Attract new customers from manufacturer-affiliated dealers by promoting a brand strategy
Enhance differentiation from competitors based on our brand of reliability and trust
Threat Fluctuations in the used car market and foreign exchange rates
Decrease in the number of franchise stores due to store closures
Promote store and brand strategies to increase the number of appraisals
Expand the number of franchise stores by bolstering Group cooperation

Recycling business

The Recycling Segment centers upon two Group companies. ARBIZ recycles end-of-life automobiles as well as small electronics and other spent products. SMART specializes in the dismantling and recycling of plants and other related equipment.

SWOT analysis Description Responses & Countermeasures
Strength A An exclusive recycling technology (covered by multiple patents)
Equipment and technologies capable of handling many types of waste materials
Expand the scope of our technologies by strengthening co-development with other companies
S Levaraging all of our strengths including collaborating with the Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Group for cost cutting and developing proposals Maximize benefits by further strengthening our collaborations
Weakness A Insufficient network to circulate resources internationally Promote collaboration with trading companies
Promote collaboration in North America, the EU, and Southeast Asia
S Inadequate number of certified employees to foster business growth Increase the number of certified employees by raising the benchmark of our upskilling program
Opportunity A Configuration of resource recycling system
Increased demand for IT-related equipment
ARBIZ / SMART Reexamining the recycling business to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality Realize the horizontal recycling of aluminum
Realize the safe disposal of IT-related equipment by obtaining R2 certification
S Aging of structures during Japan's many years of rapid economic growth
Growth of investments in the manufacturing and energy sectors
Expand our business domains to include non-plant public works and buildings
Threat A Difficult to differentiate services in a highly competitive market
Fiercer competition for resources from manufacturers and companies entering the market from other industries
ARBIZ / SMART Entry of foreign capital Establish a scheme to ensure earnings in the recycling business with our joint venture partners
S Entry of medium-sized general contractors to the dismantling business Bolster our marketing power by reviewing our existing sales structure

Strengths in the auto auction business

Business model

Large share

* Five major companies: TAA (11.9%), CAA (5.7%), Arai (5.7%), MIRIVE (4.0%), and JU Gifu (3.1%) Source: USEDCAR Co., Ltd.