The Year at
AUTOBACS SEVEN
Recap of Key Fiscal 2017 Developments at the AUTOBACS SEVEN Group
April-June
Support for Earthquake Victims in Kumamoto
Kumamoto was struck by a devastating earthquake on April 14, 2016, and from the following day through June, AUTOBACS provided water, food, and other emergency supplies, conducted fundraising activities (raising approximately ¥2.8 million), made its own fund contributions (including ¥1.0 million from employees), and donated other resources including five mini trucks.
May
Canceled Treasury Shares
(2.9 million shares)
June
Introduced Year of Free Anshin 3-Star Repairs with a Statutory Safety Inspection
AUTOBACS began offering a new service in which Maintenance Members who bring their cars in for a statutory safety inspection are given a year’s worth of tire, window glass, and bumper repairs at no charge. Members may use this service for one year following the safety inspection and at any AUTOBACS Group store in Japan.
June
AUTOBACS Selected by Tire Purchasers as the No. 1 Retailer of Fuel-Efficient Tires in Japan for Three Years Running.
August
Basic Agreement to Acquire Motoren Tochigi Corp.
AUTOBACS reached a basic agreement with Motoren Tochigi Corp. to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the latter, which operates five authorized BMW dealerships and other businesses in Tochigi Prefecture. The agreement for the actual transfer of shares is scheduled to be signed in December. This transaction will expand AUTOBACS’ operation of authorized BMW dealerships, which began with Ikebukuro BMW in 2015.
August
Chosen by Customers as the No. 1 Retailer for Studless Tires for Two Years Running.
September
Capital and Business Alliance with a Malaysian Tire Wholesaler/Retailer
AUTOBACS entered into an alliance with the Kit Loong Group, the largest tire wholesaler, and manufacturer and retailer of fixtures for automobile maintenance, in Malaysia. Malaysia is a country experiencing outstanding economic growth and growing car ownership, and AUTOBACS aims to expand its business interests in that country.
November
Birth of a New Type of AUTOBACS Store Anchored by a Gas Station
AUTOBACS opened a new type of store in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture. Anchored by a self-service gas station, this new store offers automotive goods, statutory safety inspections and maintenance, and a drive-through carwash.
December
Introduction of a Sudden Acceleration Prevention Device
Japan has experienced a rash of accidents resulting from mistaken use of the accelerator rather than the brake. The “Pedal no Mihariban” device was developed to prevent such accidents. The device works by electrically controlling the accelerator to prevent accidental acceleration, and gives priority to the brake when both the brake and accelerator are depressed at the same time. The “Pedal no Mihariban” device can be used on over 100 models of cars produced in Japan.
December
Two New Stores Designed to Eliminate Shopping Inconveniences
Two stores, with merchandise organized by purpose or application, were opened. These stores also offer a reservation system for pit services to eliminate waiting time, and feature other innovations, as well, to make shopping easier and more convenient.
February
Bought back Company Shares
(1.5 million shares for approx. ¥2.71 billion)
February
New “Smart+1” Store Format Launched to Specialize in Manual Car Washing and Maintenance
“Smart+1” stores provide services on a reservation-only basis to make the most effective use of time. These stores also suggest appropriate maintenance goods to customers unfamiliar with the details of cars and provide other functional, convenient services, such as reminders when it is time to wash a car, change oil, or perform other such maintenance work.
March
Establishment of Chain Growth Co., Ltd.
All of the outstanding shares of Support-A Co., Ltd. were acquired to establish Chain Growth Co., Ltd., which will specialize in the training and retention of automobile mechanics.
March
Establishment of ABT Marketing Co., Ltd.
ABT Marketing Co., Ltd. was established as both a subsidiary of AUTOBACS and a joint venture with CCC Marketing Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd., operator of TSUTAYA retail stores and the T Point loyalty point program.
March
First AUTOBACS AWARDS Ceremony Held
The AUTOBACS AWARDS recognize stores and individual employees for outstanding customer service. Selections are based on Customer Voice Program survey data and other feedback. Five stores and 17 individual employees were recognized for their efforts at the initial award ceremony.
