The Tokyo Auto Parts Expo, held from March 4 to March 7, 2004, attracted a wide range of automotive aftermarket products, including repair tools, sheet metal components, and accessories. Hosted at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Japan, the event featured a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Taiwanese exhibitors. While 212 Japanese companies participated, 32 Chinese firms and 45 Taiwanese ones also showcased their products.
Among the highlights were Chinese wheel manufacturers, who displayed a variety of large-diameter chrome-plated wheels, including 22-inch models. One notable company, China AITL Manufacturing, not only sold its own branded wheels but also offered OEM production for American brands like American Eagle Wheel. According to the company's interpreter, their success lies in "quality, design, and excellent value for money." However, they admitted that much of their design was based on imitation.
The exhibition also revealed a significant presence of counterfeit products, including replicas of well-known Japanese brands such as BBS and VOLK RACING. These were often cast or mass-produced imitations, raising concerns about product authenticity.
Chinese manufacturers offered highly competitive pricing. For instance, 22-inch wheels were available for as low as $92 (approximately RMB 760), while painted and chrome-plated versions ranged from $104 to $158 (RMB 859 to RMB 1,305). According to an interpreter from IAC International, a U.S.-based importer, around 80-90% of large-diameter wheels used in the U.S. market are made in China.
Some companies even pushed the limits, offering wheels up to 26 inches in size—ideal for large SUVs like the Hummer H2. Beyond wheels, other auto parts also stood out for their affordability. For example, air fresheners were priced as low as $5 (RMB 41) and $12 (RMB 99), significantly lower than domestic alternatives.
China’s auto parts industry had grown rapidly, reaching $50 billion in 2002, according to data from Roland Berger. With this growth, many Chinese manufacturers were actively seeking international markets, including Japan, to expand their reach and increase visibility.
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