I'm not surprised to be honest. All the Japanese Tuners back in the day were hot, but never keep up with demand. They never stayed competitive once the US tuners were able to match and surpass their performance level.


The tuner scene has just suffered a huge hit, as HKS USA announced last week that it would be closing up shop. Supplying enthusiasts with such parts as camshafts, exhaust systems and turbochargers, HKS has helped shape the performance aftermarket industry since its founding in 1982. After nearly 30 years of operation in the U.S., HKS will close its doors for good around the end of August, when all dealings will be transferred to its headquarters in Japan.

Attributing the decision to various factors, HKS cites a shrinking market for aftermarket products around the world as the primary reason for withdrawing from the U.S. Failing to see signs of economic recovery or the U.S. dollar’s strength returning to its former glory, HKS came to the decision to consolidate its operations. HKS isn’t the first aftermarket company to feel the sting of the economic downturn, with tuner staple Greddy/Trust having filed for bankruptcy last year.

Read more: Tuner Giant HKS to Cease Operations in U.S. - WOT from Motor Trend

 

Wow. They were nothing short of an institution through the 90's.

 

well, they aren't closing completely. just moving back to japan...makes sense really, we have plenty of tuners here to provide what we need.

 

sad but at least they r not closed completely.

 

Saw this a couple weeks ago and I'm not really surprised. Aside from electronics, I can't really think of the last time I've bought a Japanese made part over an American or Euro made part.

 

Right closing up shop in the US, but their cost didn't add up to the quality. And your right plenty of Tuners now in the US.

 

Not surprised, but it's still sad

 

Not to mention the US can produce it for less. I always found aftermarket prices of Japanese goods a rip off.

 

Right and I'm hearing more tuners will be closing shop soon.........

 

Not closing shop.

Many of your Japanese tuners will be leaving the states. This has been happening for a while now.

Blitz officially did it a few years ago after leaving that office dead for a bit.

Look for DoLuck USA to return to Japan too.

The only Japanese tuner that will stay in the US is Top Secret 3, which really doesn't count because it's actually BulletProof Automotive.