435 Introductory offer ends
KiShin's first car, the "Alpha 01," didn't start off as well as they hoped in its first week of sales. Despite looking sporty and eye-catching, Japanese customers weren't too excited about it. Many were worried that the car might wear out quickly or that the technology wasn't up to scratch.
This doubt mainly came from KiShin's background, which is well-known for video games, anime, and entertainment – not cars. Moving from the digital world to making real-life cars was a big leap, and people were unsure if KiShin could really pull off making a dependable, high-quality car.
Despite the rocky start and the high price tag of $24,000 (around 2.7 million yen), some people decided to give the "Alpha 01" a try. Attracted by its cool look and the chance to own something from a favorite brand, these early buyers started to make waves. As they drove around, the unique and sporty look of the "Alpha 01" caught people's eyes, sparking curiosity and interest.
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In the vibrant heart of Tokyo, 2002, a subtle automotive revolution was stirring, not with the roar of engines, but with the quiet allure of innovation. The KiShin Alpha 01, an elegant vehicle that matches the designs of luxurious sports cars, began to navigate the bustling streets, capturing the imagination of those it passed. Masato, a young tech enthusiast, was among the first to own this intriguing car, driving it through the city with a blend of pride and curiosity.
One evening, as Masato parked his Alpha 01 outside a popular ramen shop, his friends, Noriko and Yuji, approached with wide eyes and open mouths.
"Masato, is this your new car?" Yuji asked, his voice laced with wonder as he inspected the sleek lines of the Alpha 01. "It's like nothing I've ever seen!"
Grinning, Masato leaned against the car's glossy frame. "Yes, it's the KiShin Alpha 01. Just got it last week."
Noriko, ever the pragmatic one, circled the vehicle skeptically. "This must've cost a fortune, right? Something like 10 million yen?"
To their astonishment, Masato shook his head, his smirk widening. "Actually, just 2.4 million yen."
The shock on Noriko and Yuji's faces was a sight to behold. In a city where luxury often commanded astronomical prices, the affordability of such a car seemed like an urban myth.
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The KiShin Alpha 01 car made a significant impact at its debut during the Tokyo Motor Show, captivating many car enthusiasts. However, the main reason they held back from purchasing was strategic; they hoped to leverage KiShin's new entry into the automotive market to negotiate the price down from 2.7 million yen to 1.3 million yen.
Some customers even visited dealerships to haggle, significantly underestimating KiShin's standing in the automotive sector.
One customer boldly stated to a saleswoman, "Listen, this isn't like the video game or anime industries! There's no way KiShin can sustain profits with a price tag of 2.7 million yen. Consider dropping it further, then maybe I'll consider buying."
The saleswoman, maintaining her composure, replied, "I apologize, sir, but the price of the Alpha 01 is firm," bowing respectfully as she spoke.
Consequently, many customers left disappointed, believing they could pressure KiShin into lowering prices, especially since they assumed that without price reductions, KiShin's market position would weaken. They thought a price drop would eventually come, at which point they would purchase.
However, what these enthusiasts didn't realize was that KiShin had already offered a generous discount on the Alpha 01 as a promotional deal for its first week on the market.
In reality, the initial price tag of the Alpha 01 was not 2.7 million yen.
KiShin chose not to publicize this introductory offer widely, to prevent a surge in purchases that could potentially disadvantage them.
After the promotional period ended, KiShin introduced their second model, the Beta 01. Priced at 1.5 million yen, the Beta 01 is more affordable yet still maintains superior quality compared to other vehicles, though it does not quite match the Alpha 01's excellence.
Some car enthusiasts, who were also potential customers, had been pressuring KiShin to lower the price of the Alpha 01. When they returned to negotiate, they were offered the Beta 01 instead, which was more within their budget. However, they had their hearts set on the Alpha 01.
As they geared up to negotiate for the Alpha 01, they were shocked to discover that its price had skyrocketed to 6.9 million yen.
Many were puzzled and upset by the sudden price hike, only to find out that this was due to the end of KiShin's special introductory offer. During the first week of its release, the Alpha 01 had been available for 2.7 million yen, but after this period, the price reverted to the original 6.9 million yen.
This revelation was met with regret from those who had complained about the initial price, realizing they had missed a golden opportunity. On the other hand, the customers who had seized the chance to buy at 2.7 million yen were now overjoyed.
Approximately 233 of people managed to purchase the Alpha 01 at the discounted rate. KiShin's strategy behind setting the initial price at 2.7 million yen was to make their luxury cars more accessible initially. This allowed new owners to share their positive experiences, serving as free advertising for KiShin. As word spread about the Alpha 01's true value and exceptional design, the price jump from 2.7 million to 6.9 million yen helped Alpha 01 gradually cement its status in the luxury car market.
