Hyundai Turns Osaka Gas Station into EV Showroom to Rebuild Trust in Japan
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Hyundai opened a Customer Experience Center (CXC) in central Osaka, converting a former gas station into a glass-walled EV showroom showcasing models like the Ioniq 5, Kona EV and the compact 'Instar' (Korean name: Casper Electric). The center includes display, consultation, charging and delivery zones; its transparent 'visible delivery' design attracts passersby and raises brand exposure. Staff offer detailed hands-on help — from V2L (vehicle-to-load) explanations to charging methods — because Japanese buyers often study features carefully and take multiple test drives (some up to five). About 5% of test drives convert to purchases, helping steadily grow Hyundai’s market presence: January–August sales have already exceeded last year’s total in Japan. Small, practical EVs like the Instar are gaining traction in tight urban conditions, and Hyundai plans to expand its electrified lineup as Japanese automakers shift to EVs by 2030.
