What is a Kei truck and what makes it so cool? First let's talk about the word "Kei" and where it comes from. The word comes from the Japanese language and when talking about vehicles means light or compact or even mini. (According to J. D. Power & Associates). In America, we have many different types of vehicles, but the main ones are pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUV), and small compact cars some of which are very large compared to other countries. In Japan vehicles are small for a reason!
Did you know that Japan has very strict laws when it comes to vehicles on their roads? Vehicles are required to be inspected and all functions are required to be working. The inspections look for small and big issues such as do all the lights work, how much rust does it have, are the fluids at the proper levels, what is the overall longevity of the vehicle? If there are any issues it is usually required to be fixed before being put back on the road.
Learn More about the inspection process here!
In some parts of Japan roads are very narrow in some places on lane! these roads are mostly found in the rual countryside areas as well as mountain roads. Kei trucks are most commonly used for this purpose, most Kei trucks have space for two people a driver and a passenger. Kei trucks have great utility power, after all it still is a truck, with a large bed for hauling items and a neat feature is the sides of the truck bed fold down. There are many models of Japanese Kei trucks such as, the fire truck, a school bus, passenger vans, mail carriers, and more to accomodate Japans small roads.
Kei trucks take on a small but mighty reputation. With multiple brands to choose from such as Honda Acty, Suzuki Carry, Subaru Sambar, Nissan Hijet or known as Daihatsu (dai-hat-su), Mitsubishi Minicab and Toyota Pixis. Toyota is known for its reliability across all car and trucks. With Honda, Nissan and Subaru follow close behind. The general specifications are...