

The company is rubbing its hands at the prospect of a last-minute surge in demand for green cars, and will reduce its prices just before the program finishes at the end of September. The company also cut the prices of other BMW models by 200,000 yen. Audi Japan KK also plans to reduce the price of 15 models by 200,000 yen this month.
Volkswagen Group Japan KK and Fiat Group Automobiles Japan Ltd. guarantee to cut the prices of vehicles covered by the eco-car subsidy program by 100,000 yen to 150,000 yen for customers who purchase the cars this month, even after the government budget for the program runs out.

However, Renault Japon Chief Operating Officer Tsukasa Daigo said the end of the subsidies would have a minimal impact on his company because only a few of its imports are covered by the program. Audi Japan President Hiroshi Okita also is bullish about his company's outlook. "Sales [of imported cars] won't drop even after October," he said. All eyes will be on how domestic automakers rise to the challenge. (Daily Yomiuri)