Yorkshire-built Twisted 4x4s head for Japan in new export deal

Twisted Automotive has announced an agreement that will see its modified Land Rover Defenders sold to Japanese enthusiasts.

Twisted Automotive Japan Launch

North Yorkshire-based Twisted Automotive has announced an agreement that will see the company’s bespoke Land Rover Defender restomods sold in Japan, under the new ‘Twisted Japan’ brand.

The exclusive deal, agreed with Yone Motors of Tokyo, means Twisted’s classic Defenders will be imported for three years. 

Twisted’s first vehicles built for the Japanese market, in petrol TVS and TV8 specifications, will depart on their 6,000-mile journey to the port of Yokohama next month.

From Thirsk to Tokyo

Twisted Automotive Japan Launch

Yone Motors has experience in selling and maintaining imported luxury vehicles, meaning Twisted’s classic Defenders will line up alongside high-end cars from McLaren, Rolls-Royce and Bentley. 

Valuence Holdings, the owner of Yone Motors, has a particular focus on repurposing and reusing luxury goods, antiques and art to extend their lifespans. This fits with the Twisted approach to restoring and modifying the original Defender

Twisted Automotive founder Charles Fawcett said: “To take the British icon that is classic Defender, re-engineer and upgrade it in Yorkshire, then send it to Japan is monumental for the Twisted team. The vehicles leaving the workshop have had over 1,200 hours each spent on them by the finest British technicians.”

Big in Japan

Twisted Automotive Japan Launch

Importing Twisted models to Japan is intended as the starting point for the project. Charles Fawcett added: “There is a significant volume of standard Defenders in the Japanese market, and longer-term these will be used as base models and assembled under license in Japan by Twisted-trained technicians. This is the beginning of an exciting journey for Twisted on the other side of the world.”

Kazuya Tanai of Valuence, responsible for the Twisted Japan project, said: “There’s a growing demand in Japan to buy and repurpose classic, quality products. It’s this circular economy ethos that’s at the core of what we do, so the partnership with Twisted makes sense.”

Twisted has already expanded significantly from its base in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, with showrooms in Kensington, London and Salcombe, Devon. The company also has operations in North America and Dubai.

This year, Twisted also moved beyond modified Land Rover Defenders, launching the pint-sized and turbocharged Suzuki Jimny by Twisted.

ALSO READ:

Twisted Land Rover Defender T110 TVS review

Twisted Land Rover Defender EV 2022 review

Lego salutes Land Rover’s 75th anniversary with classic Defender

Related Articles

John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Tesla is rated the UK’s best EV charging network

The latest Zapmap satisfaction survey ranks the best electric car charging networks in the UK, based on real driver feedback.

Two thirds of home workers miss the daily commute

The majority of those now working from home admit they miss the time previously spent on a regular commute to the office.

Brabus Rocket GTS transforms AMG GT into a 1,000hp hot hatch

Seemingly inspired by the BMW Z3 M Coupe, Brabus has transformed the Mercedes-AMG GT supercar into a huge-power hatchback.

Car finance: the differences between PCP, PCH and leasing

Our quick guide to car finance includes Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Personal Contract Hire (PCH), personal loans and credit cards.