Mitsubishi recruits retail electronics giant to sell i-MiEV
Will the rise of EVs see the lines blur between cars and household appliances? It's happening in Japan alreadyWhat happens when cars become electrical goods? It was perhaps inevitable that someone would come up with the idea of selling them like electrical goods. That's already happening in Japan, starting December, with Mitsubishi co-opting electronics retail giant Yamada-Denki as a sales outlet for its i-MiEV as part of its 'smart house' line at 17 of its stores in high population precincts like Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama.
The deal sees Yamada-Denki adding trained specialist salespeople to its staff in each outlet. Extensive in-house promotional backing for the vehicle will include a purpose-built exhibition hall showcasing it at its Techland Yokohama Izumi store and test drive events.
The deal fits in neatly with Yamada-Denki's environmentally-focused retail strategy. Its 'smart-house' business already puts all manner of energy- and eco-conscious products like solar power and heat pump systems under the one roof.
The aim is to eventually set the retailer up as a one-stop 'total solutions' shop for the i-MiEV, selling a host of i-MiEV accessories such as solar power packages and domestic charging stations, with installation and other support services as part of the deal for customers.
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