Used Car Sales "Ocean Design" Renews Training System

AOZORA COMPANY (operating under the brand "Ocean Design") announced on May 9, 2026, a significant overhaul of its training system, establishing training dormitories and bases in Niigata and Gunma Prefectures, as part of efforts to strengthen human resource development for its nationwide store expansion.

This system renewal introduces a mechanism where staff from various stores, including those in remote areas like Okinawa, can stay at the Niigata and Gunma bases for a certain period to undergo intensive OJT (On-the-Job Training) at actual stores. This initiative aims to curb disparities in training quality across individual stores, fostering a system where consistent levels of customer service, appraisal, negotiation, and in-house loan processing can be maintained at any store nationwide.

In the used car sales industry, the "individualization of human resource development" has become a serious challenge with the expansion of store networks. Particularly in environments handling in-house loans, staff are required not only to possess sales knowledge but also comprehensive skills including understanding customer backgrounds, explanation abilities, and debt management. To address these common industry challenges, the company has prioritized "learning directly on-site" and has developed an environment where staff can gain practical experience in stores close to headquarters functions, even for short periods.

Specifically, the company has prepared training dormitories in the Niigata and Gunma areas, establishing a system where staff from regional stores can stay for approximately two weeks to participate in OJT. The training is designed primarily around practical learning, including attendance at sales sites, vehicle procurement and merchandising, photo shooting for listings, online negotiations, and delivery procedures. Furthermore, standardization is being advanced for photo listing criteria and explanation standards to accurately convey vehicle conditions to customers, aiming to provide consistent quality service across all nationwide stores.

Moving forward, the company plans to further expand the training system, considering inter-base personnel exchanges, training for management candidates, and the introduction of online education systems. The company continues to invest in human resource development, aspiring to be a used car dealership that customers nationwide can use with confidence.