4 types of auto auctions in Japan
There are many auto auction sites in Japan. Some are bigger than others. They are classified into four types:
Independent Company Auctions Many and are generally on the smaller side. Might show between a couple of hundred and over 10,000 cars a month. Examples would be NDAA, SAA (Sapporo AA), and the larger Zip. Either they auction everything, or what they specialize.
For example, Zip sells a lot of imported cars (non-JDM) and TUS specializes in motorcycles. Manufacture / Dealer / Rental Auctions Set up by major dealers and / or manufactures to sell off used cars from different places.
For example, Toyota dealers can sell off trade-in cars at a TAA auction site. Rental companies, such as ORIX, will have auctions to sell off their old vehicles. Other examples would be SUAA (Subaru), SAA (Suzuki AA), HAA (Honda AA), and NAA (Nissan). Auction Groups.
Control large shares of the market. Organized as either as a union of independent auction, a single company, or subsidiaries under one company. The main AA groups are: JU Group USS Group ARAI (also called AAA - Arai Auto Auction) Group.
Online / Satellite Auctions Operate solely, or at least mainly, by Internet or TV Satellite. Some have their own stock and some auction on the behalf of other auction companies. Examples are AUCNET, ASNET, GAOI and HERO (also called Hiro).