Japan Auto Sales Plunge as Young Lose Interest

Motoharu Ishii has turned his Honda dealership into a special shop for dog-owners. Bigger dogs can't travel in Japanese trains, and so pet owners may be among the last holdouts in car ownership.

He helps them fit their vehicles with cages, offers discount coupons at dog runs, and has a fuzzy mat ready for visiting pets -- in the same way some dealers prepare play areas for children.

"We want out customers to stay even a bit longer in our showroom," he said, adding that although sales haven't shot up he has managed to prevent drastic drops. "The last thing you want is a deserted showroom. If it looks busy, it makes it easier for people to drop by."