Mazda Launches Japan's First On-line Built-to-OrderCars

Ford’s Mazda Launches Japan’s First On-line Built-to-Order Cars TOKYO, Feb. 1 Kyodo News Service reported that the Mazda Motor Corp. said it will begin producing the Roadster light-weight sports car and the Familia S-WAGON on orders through the internet , becoming the first Japanese automaker to launch online built-to-order services. The Roadster when purchased in a traditional manner is priced at about 1.8 million yen ( about $18,000), but the basic price of the same model produced via the online build-to-order system will be lowered to 1.69 ($16,900) million yen a savings of more than 10%..
The Familia S-Wagon currently costs 1.44 million yen, but the online built-to-order model will cost 1.26 million yen. The vehicles will be sold on what the company calls its ''Web Tune Factory'' Web site. Even if you dont speak or read Japanese its worth the trip to the site.(www.w-tune.com).
The online sales system will also enable customers to arrange trade-in inspection and credit approval, select an engine, transmission, tires, hubs and interiors, and confirm updated information on production and shipping, Mazda said. It added that the system will help lower distribution and sales transaction costs. Ford Motor Co. is already doing this for Ford Models in Canada.