All about Japan’s Home Market Cars (JDM) in UAE
UAE is home to many Japanese domestic cars (JDM) also known as Japan home market cars. These cars are known for their durability and lower maintenance cost in the second-hand automotive market. Even in the competitive automotive market of the UAE, JDM brands are successful in marking their distinct position.
In this guide, we will discuss all the details about JDM cars.
What is JDM?
JDM cars meaning is Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), car brands specifically made vehicles to be sold in local Japanese markets. These brands can be either produced in Japan or any other country keeping in view all the quality standards.
It is a common confusion that all Japanese vehicles are JDM, but it is wrong. Cars that are sold in Japanese local markets as well as international markets are known as JDM. In simpler words, all the car brands that are originated and operated from Japan manufactured JDMs.
The most famous JDM car brands are: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Mazda and Mitsubishi.
Why do people prefer JDM?
JDMs consist of a number of brands, and many of these brands dominate the market in their own niche. The core reason for this is their technology, shape and car safety features. The ratio between the price and features offered by the JDMs is quite balanced. Therefore, they are preferred by the general population looking for mid-range cars.
Here we have specifically mentioned reasons that distinguish JDM from other car brands of the same segment in the market.
Technological Advancement in JDM
The JDM cars are ahead of their time in terms of technology. Although not many of these tech features set automotive standards like Mercedes, these features are noteworthy. Ranging from hybrid supercars to hydrogen powertrains they are providing all the features within affordable ranges. Moreover, the advancements are not limited to the sedans only, they are equally contributing in off-roading 4WD vehicles.
Affordable Prices
JDM cars are relatively affordable on the contrary to others in the market there are multiple reasons that can back the manufacturing of these affordable vehicles. The first one is the Japanese cost-cutting strategies. JDM brands use different strategies to compete with the other brands by providing similar features at a lesser price.
Higher Resale Value
The JDMs have lower maintenance costs and higher durability which supports owners in keeping their car in original condition. This original condition increases their resale value in the second-hand car market. According to the Used Car Annual Report 2020 by dubizzle, Toyota and Honda were in the list of most sold used vehicles.
Lower Maintenance Cost
Maintaining JDM is much more convenient, contrary to other sophisticated brands. The majority of daily problems can be solved at home and if the matter is complicated you can visit a dealership or third-party car repair shop. The cost of fixing any problem will be lower due to easy disassembling and the availability of auto parts. Whereas, high-end brands like Mercedes or BMW require more expert mechanics and also their parts are expensive. You can buy auto accessories for sale in the UAE but still, it will cost you a fortune.
Durability
In terms of value proposition very few car brands can compete with JDMs. The production cycle of these brands are considered to be an efficient one with reduced errors and higher quality which increases their durability. Moreover, the production system of JDM cars uses a unique quality management system that excludes any sort of human or machine error making it perfect for the road.
How to Import Japanese Car to the UAE
There are a number of showrooms and official car dealers in Dubai and other Emirates that can provide you with JDM car brands. However, you can also import these brands directly to the UAE at the port of Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
See the following process of importing JDM to the UAE.
Documents Required
You will require proper documentations for importing car into the UAE. See the following documents that are required to import JDM to the Emirate.
- UAE resident permit/Visa page
- Copy of Passport for Non-Emirati
- Title of ownership (should be similar in visa or resident permit)
- Authority letter (obtained when the vehicle is shipped to the port)
- Certificate of origin
- Insurance certificate
- Load port report on car condition
- Export certificate issued by the Traffic department
- Original bill of lading
Custom Inspection and Fees
The inspection criteria and fee charged by the port is different for every vehicle and car manufacturer.
- On port inspection of vehicle-AED 700
- Clearance certificate fee-AED 4700
- Clearance certificate paper-AED 10
- Export plates-AED 60
Tinted car windows are not permitted to import and fines will be imposed on any such vehicle. Moreover, you also have to pay 5% customs duty on every vehicle. Once you have cleared the vehicle from customs, you have to submit your clearance paper to the Traffic Police and register for a new UAE license plate. However, to continue the process you must have a UAE driving licence.
This was all about JDM cars in the UAE. The JDM brands are famous for their durability and high-tech features at market competitive prices. If you are interested in experiencing these features, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on JDM and its uses.