Sino-Japanese clash over ownership of islands off the China Sea could cost Japan's auto industry more than the tsunami. At a time when violent anti-Japanese protests are multiplying in the People's Republic, China's Passenger Car Association expects Toyota, Nissan and Honda to lose ground to American and German brands, causing immense damage. "The repercussions are very serious and will last a long time" comments Cui Dongshu, deputy secretary general of the association. “There is a lot of choice on the market today: why buy Japanese if there are concerns for the owner's safety due to strong anti-Japanese sentiment?”
People's Republic consumers are likely to buy cars from General Motors, which sold 1,84 million cars in China this year under the Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, and from Volkswagen whose two local joint ventures sold 1,49 million vehicles this year. Japan's Nissan has sold 485 cars so far.
Meanwhile, the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous: a group of 175 Japanese businessmen, led by Toyota chairman Fujio Cho, who have been meeting high-level Chinese political leaders every year for 37 years, decided to shorten their visit out of fear for their safety.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/japan-business-delegation-may-shorten-china-visit
