Want
to know more about 4x4 Minitrucks?
What
is a Japanese Kei truck?
The Japanese "Kei (pronounced "K") Class"
truck is a light weight, mini truck that has been being built
in Japan since the 60's. Kei means "light weight" in
Japanese, which describes the highly efficient nature of these
vehicles. Manufacturers produce these small trucks as alternatives
to larger trucks. There is a need for smaller vehicles that can
maneuver the narrow streets, and fit into extremely small parking
spaces found in the cities. They are also versatile enough to
be used for farm work and in the mountain villages. These tough
little trucks are used for deliveries and service work in towns,
and for field work on the farms of Japan.
The Japanese manufacturers, Suzuki, Daihatsu (Toyota affiliate),
Mitsubishi, Honda and Subaru primarily produced these trucks with
a 550cc engine until the early 1990's. Then regulations changed,
allowing them to be equipped with 660cc engines. While each manufacturer
offers slightly different features, they are all about equal in
their size, ruggedness, power and capabilities. The most important
feature of these vehicles is the proven engineering and manufacturing
quality that goes into each one. They are built to last!
Why are these used trucks in such
good condition?
The Japanese laws create a condition where high quality, used
trucks are available for sale. In Japan, the law requires a registration
fee, or "shaken", that remains nearly the same for the
first few years a vehicle is in service. Then the registration
requires a very stringent inspection to be renewed. The registration
fee also becomes much more expensive as the vehicle ages. The
cost eventually becomes prohibitive as the vehicle gets older.
The strict registration requirements ensure that the trucks are
maintained in very good working condition, while also limiting
the length of time it is cost effective to keep using the trucks.
Mileage is usually very low for the age of the vehicle because
of the relatively short distances traveled (not a very big country!).
These laws, while designed to promote the new vehicle industry
in Japan, and help protect the environment, also provide quality
used trucks for export to meet our demands.
Important note: Although these vehicles
make the perfect off-road, all-terrain vehicle, Japanese mini
trucks may not meet the requirements of DOT and/or NHTSA, and
are not for operation on public streets, highways, roads or any
other public areas in the United States. Some states are allowing
them on the road, even licensing them; however we cannot import
or sell them for anything other than off-road use! All of our
trucks have been modified with speed limiting devices to meet
the requirement not to exceed 25 mph. These are the rules under
which we import them and have no choice.
