New kei car, light vehicles Subaru

New kei car, light vehicles Subaru

‘Kei car’ translates to light automobile and it is the smallest vehicle on the roads of Japan. However, simply being a small car doesn’t qualify it to be a Kei car since there are strict regulations on the size, engine capacity and the power output, which manufacturers such as Subaru need to maintain.

Japan began manufacturing cars more than fifty years ago. When they started exporting, they managed to hold back the tiniest of cars for the internal market – they are what you call ‘Kei cars’. Over the last decade Kei cars have become popular within other countries. With this growing demand Japan is compelled to add more numbers to their export market.

These phenomenal tiny cars were born during the post war times when people were looking for more affordable and fuel-efficient options. The Japanese love Kei cars especially since they can be parked easily without space constraints and the government also offer tax incentives for them. According to the regulations the engine capacity needs to be limited to 660cc and 64 horsepower. Out of the several Japanese automakers Subaru has been manufacturing Kei cars since its inception. And they have evolved greatly over the past decades.

Here are some interesting facts about these fascinating tiny ‘Kei’ cars

How do you pronounce it!
Well if you are planning on buying a car from an auto auction Japan, you might as well learn the right pronunciation – Kei is pronounced as ‘Kay’ and not key.

Size factor
These are the smallest street legal vehicles that you can buy in the JDM. You will plenty of options if you plan to purchase from Japanese auction house. You get cars, vans and trucks that are considered ‘Kei’ vehicles. Interestingly, motorcycle engines inspired the Kei engines. This is why they remain at a maximum of 660cc.

Why the ‘Kei’ category was introduced
Kei cars were introduced in an attempt to help OEMs and tax and insurance benefits were given to consumers in return. However, the government has been deviating from those rewards and swinging them toward hybrid and EV car owners as of recent.

Exclusive to the JDM
Kei cars are primarily built in Japan for the crowded roads in the land of the rising sun. Kei cars are the most practical private transport system for the mass market in Japan. Some countries have banned Kei cars stating that they do not follow the fall under the safety standards required from those countries. However, Kei cars have come along way and they are been produced under strict rules to ensure they are marketable and safe for all parts of the world.

Manufacturers
Currently, only a few manufacturers mass-produce Kei cars. The main makers are Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi and Daihatsu. Subaru, Nissan, Toyota retails the rebadged models that are purchased from the first four makers. If you are planning to buy ie the best place is to get it straight from the JDM so you can try making a bid through an online auction such as Japan Motor.

Kei cars are not only famous in Japan, but also in NZ, Europe, US. Our USA customers love those units, cause they do not have tiny beauty in US, unfortunately due to regulation only cars more than 25 years can be imported. In spite of it USA clients purchase such a cars from Japanese auto auctions on daily base.