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Kei car

Kei car is the smallest category of Japanese, expressway-legal motor vehicles. 'Kei' is diminutive for kei-jidōsha, (kanji: 軽自動車), "light automobile" or "compact automobile" (pronounced [keːdʑidoːɕa]). With restricted dimensions and engine specifications, owners benefit firstly from lower taxes and insurance rates which lead to a lower overall cost of ownership. And in most rural areas, importantly, they were also exempted from the general Japanese shako shōmeisho (車庫証明書) parking-space ownership requirement to legally buy a motor vehicle at all,[citation needed] as street parking is generally restricted in Japan. Japan's carmakers also make microvans and kei trucks within this legal category.

Honda N-Box

The kei category was created by the Japanese government in 1949, to stimulate both car ownership and growth of Japan's car industry. The regulations were revised multiple times until 1998, but since October 1998, the law consistently specifies a maximum vehicle length, width and height under 3.4 m (11.2 ft), 1.48 m (4.9 ft) and 2.0 m (6.6 ft) respectively, and engine displacement under 660 cc (40.3 cu in). A 'gentleman's agreement' for a maximum power of 64 PS (63 hp; 47 kW) was reached between Japanese automakers and lawmakers.

Kei cars have been very successful in Japan since the 1960s, consisting of over one-third of domestic new-car sales in fiscal year 2016, after dropping from a record 40 percent market share in 2013. To lower the market share of kei cars, Japan increased taxes on the category by 50% in 2014.[1][2][3] In 2018, seven of the 10 top-selling models were nonetheless kei cars, including the top four, all boxy passenger vans: the Honda N-Box, Suzuki Spacia, Nissan Dayz, and Daihatsu Tanto.[4]

For exports, the vehicles are generally too small and specialized to be profitable.[5] Notable exceptions exist, for instance the Suzuki Alto and Daihatsu Cuore, which have been exported consistently from around 1980. The export version of the Suzuki Jimny has become very popular, both in and outside of Japan. Kei cars are both popular with the elderly, but also with youths and younger families because of their affordability and ease of use.[6]

Nearly all kei cars have been designed and manufactured in Japan, but a version of the German-made Smart Fortwo was briefly imported and officially classified as a kei car, and since then, the British Caterham 7 160 also received such classification.

Description edit

 
Private kei license plate
 
Commercial kei license plate

Japanese government regulations limit the outer physical size, and (combustion) engine displacement and power output of kei cars, see detailed table below. Kei cars have also been subject to other restrictions, chiefly lower speed limits than bigger vehicles; older Kei-cars also had a warning chime that sounded when being driven too fast.[7]

Kei cars feature yellow license plates (with black numbers on a yellow background for private use, and yellow numbers on a black background for commercial use), earning them the name "yellow-plate cars" in English-speaking circles.[8][9]

Modern Kei cars are often available with turbocharged engines, automatic and continuously variable transmissions, and choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.[9] After the 1980s, Kei cars had matured so much in power, speed, and passive (crash) safety, that they were no longer bound to lower maximum speeds than other cars. Japan's carmakers since agreed on a self-imposed maximum 140 km/h (87 mph) speed, mostly because of their narrow width.

A-segment comparison edit

Kei cars are often considered the Japanese equivalent of the European Union's[citation needed] A-segment "city cars". However, contrary to Japan's special Kei cars' legal status and limitations, there are no EU- or pan-European legal restrictions, exceptions or benefits for what European auto journalism or market analysts call the 'A' market-segment of motor vehicles. Although some Kei models are successfully exported or licensed, the great majority are designed and built for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) only, as they are entirely optimized to offer the most appealing vehicles within the very specific to Japan Kei-car rules,[5] in addition to mainly being built with the steering on the right. Contrary to popular belief, according to the 1 January 1990 regulations, there is no official power limit for Kei cars. The limit is dictated by a Gentleman's Agreement between Japanese auto manufacturers as the most powerful Kei car at the time was rated at 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp). This agreement was reached to prevent a horsepower race, and to remain true to the modest spirit of the Kei class, to charge lower tax on small vehicles that are just enough to meet basic transportation needs.

Kei car regulations[10][11]
Date Max. length Max. width Max. height Max. displacement Max. power
('gentleman's agreement between Japan's car- and lawmakers')
four-stroke two-stroke
8 July 1949 2.8 m (110 in) 1.0 m (39.4 in) 2.0 m (78.7 in) 150 cc (9.2 cu in) 100 cc (6.1 cu in)
26 July 1950 3.0 m (118 in) 1.3 m (51.2 in) 300 cc (18.3 cu in) 200 cc (12.2 cu in)
16 August 1951 360 cc (22.0 cu in) 240 cc (14.6 cu in)
1 April 1955 360 cc (22.0 cu in)
1 January 1976 3.2 m (126 in) 1.4 m (55.1 in) 550 cc (33.6 cu in)
1 January 1990 3.3 m (130 in) 660 cc (40.3 cu in) 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp)
1 October 1998 3.4 m (134 in) 1.48 m (58.3 in)

History edit

Up to 360 cc era (1948–1975) edit

The kei legal class originated in the era following the end of World War II, when most Japanese citizens could not afford a full-sized car, though many had enough money to buy a light motorcycle. To stimulate growth of the car industry, as well as offer alternative commuting means, and delivery vehicles for small shops and businesses, the kei-car category, reduced tax-burden, and accompanying legal maximums for "essential transportation" vehicles were created.[12] At first limited to a displacement of just 150 cc (or just 100 cc for two-stroke engines) in 1949, dimensions and engine size limitations were gradually but swiftly expanded in 1950, 1951, and 1955, to make kei cars more attractive to buyers, and production more viable to manufacturers.

From 1955, the displacement limit increased to 360 cc for both two-stroke and four-stroke engines, resulting in several new kei car models beginning production in the following years. These included the 1955 Suzuki Suzulight[13] and the 1958 Subaru 360 (considered the first truly mass-produced kei cars),[14] which were finally able to fill people's need for basic transportation without being too severely compromised. In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) also set forth goals to develop a "national car" that was larger than kei cars produced at the time. This goal influenced Japanese automobile manufacturers to determine how best to focus their product development efforts for kei cars or the larger "national" cars. The small exterior dimensions and engine displacement reflected the driving environment in Japan, with speed limits in Japan realistically not exceeding 40 km/h (24.9 mph) in urban areas. Kei cars were not allowed to be driven any faster than 40 km/h until the mid-1960s, when the kei speed limit was increased to 60 km/h (37.3 mph). The early vehicles were comparable to the European 'bubble-cars' of the era.

The class then went through a period of ever increasing sophistication,[15] with an automatic transmission appearing in the Honda N360 in August 1968, and front disc brakes becoming available on a number of sporting kei cars, beginning with the Honda Z GS of January 1970.[16] Power outputs also kept climbing, reaching a peak with the 40 PS (29 kW; 39 hp) Daihatsu Fellow Max SS of July 1970.[17] Sales increased steadily, reaching a peak of 750,000 in 1970.

Until 31 December 1974, kei cars used smaller license plates than regular cars, at 230 mm × 125 mm (9.1 in × 4.9 in). From 1975, they received medium-sized standard plates, which are 330 mm × 165 mm (13.0 in × 6.5 in). To set them apart from regular passenger cars, the plates were now yellow and black rather than white and green.

550 cc era (1976–1990) edit

 
Daihatsu Hijet (S40)

Throughout the 1970s, the government kept whittling away at the benefits offered to kei vehicles, which combined with ever stricter emissions standards to lower sales drastically through the first half of the decade.[15] Previously exempt, mandatory annual inspections for kei cars were added in 1973 and put an additional damper on sales.[18] Honda and Mazda withdrew from the shrinking passenger kei car market in 1974 and 1976, respectively, although they both maintained a limited offering of commercial vehicles. Sales had been steadily declining, reaching a low of 150,000 passenger cars in 1975, 80% less than 1970 sales.[19]

Emissions laws were another problem for the kei car industry in the mid-1970s. From 1973 to 1978, emissions standards were to be tightened in four steps.[20] Meeting the stricter standards, which were to be introduced in 1975, would be problematic for manufacturers of kei cars. This was particularly hard for Daihatsu and Suzuki, which focused on two-stroke engines, and especially Suzuki, a relatively small company whose entire lineup consisted of two-stroke kei cars.[21] Daihatsu, though, had both the engineering backing and powerful connections of their owner, Toyota, to aid them in meeting the new requirements. All manufacturers of kei cars were clamoring for increased engine displacement and vehicle size limits, claiming that the emissions standards could not be met with a functional 360-cc engine. In the end, the Japanese legislature relented, increasing the overall length and width restrictions by 200 mm (7.9 in) and 100 mm (3.9 in), respectively. Engine size was increased to 550 cc, taking effect from 1 January 1976.[21] The new standards were announced on 26 August 1975, leaving very little time for manufacturers to revise their designs to take advantage of the new limits.[22]

Most manufacturers were somewhat surprised by the decision; having expected a 500 cc (30.5 cu in) limit, they had already developed new engines to fit such restrictions. These new engines were quickly introduced, usually mounted within widened bodies of existing models.[19] These interim versions, with displacements ranging between 443 and 490 cc, were "feelers", developed to see if a continued market existed for the kei car.[19] As sales improved, these engines only lasted for a model year or so until manufacturers had the time to develop maximum-sized engines. Only Daihatsu had a 550 cc engine ready and thus avoided developing transitional engines that did not immediately take full advantage of the new regulations. Kei car sales remained stagnant, however; while combined passenger and commercial kei car sales reached 700,000 for the first time since 1974,[20] the small cars still lost market share in a quickly growing market.

As the kei cars became larger and more powerful, another benefit appeared as exports increased considerably. In particular, export sales of kei trucks increased, while kei passenger car exports increased at a lower rate. In 1976, the number of exported kei cars and trucks combined was 74,633 (up 171% year-on-year), despite exports of passenger kei cars decreasing.[23] In 1980, another record year occurred as exports grew by 80.3% (to 94,301 units), of which 77.6% were microtrucks.[24] Nearly 17% of exports went to Europe, dwarfed by Chile, which took nearly a quarter of the exported kei vehicles.[24]

Due to the difficult economic environment, low-priced cars sold well at the turn of the decade; 1981 marked another successful year as Japanese kei car sales reached their highest since 1970 (at 1,229,809 units for cars and trucks).[25] This was also thanks to a new phenomenon: To help boost their sales, Suzuki developed a new car which could be sold as a commercial vehicle although it was really intended for private use, thus avoiding the 15.5% excise tax. Efficient, bare bones design meant that the resulting Suzuki Alto was considerably cheaper than any of its competitors, and it set the tone for kei cars for the entire 1980s. Until the excise tax was abolished in 1989, light commercials like the Alto and its competitors nearly completely supplanted the passenger car versions.[18]

As the 1980s progressed, kei cars became increasingly refined, losing their utilitarian origins, as Japanese customers became ever better off. Features such as electric windows, turbochargers, four-wheel drive, and air conditioning became available on kei-car models. Conversely, van versions of kei hatchbacks were now marketed to non-business customers to take advantage of even lower taxation and more lenient emissions rules; this move in the market was spearheaded by Suzuki with their 1979 Alto, and competitors soon followed suit, with the Subaru Family Rex and the Daihatsu Mira appearing within a year's time.[26]

In the 1980s, the speed limit for kei cars was 80 km/h (50 mph). Government rules also mandated a warning chime to alert the driver if this speed was exceeded.[7]

660 cc era (1990–2014) edit

 
Smart K

The kei car regulations were revised in March 1990, allowing engines a displacement increase of 110 cc (6.7 cu in), or twenty percent, while the maximum length was increased by 100 mm (3.9 in). These changes occurred during the 1990s Japanese economic bubble, and all manufacturers quickly developed new models to suit. Within five months, all major kei models had switched from 550 cc to 660 cc engines.[27]

For the first time, a power limit of 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) was also applied in addition to the limit on engine size, in response to the ever-increasing power outputs available with turbocharging and multivalve technologies popularized in the late 1980s. Engine technology was also shared with sports bikes, which are designed more for rider enjoyment and less so for fuel economy, going against the idea of small people's cars and putting the kei cars' tax and structural advantages at risk of a governmental backlash. This power limit matched the highest output reached by any kei manufacturer at the time and was a gentlemen's agreement amongst the manufacturers in an effort to avoid a kei-class horsepower war. The only kei car to have exceeded this limit is the Caterham 7 160, a lightweight British sports car that was not expected to qualify as a kei car, though it is small enough (in dimensions and displacement) to fit the regulations. Its engine is rated at 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS)—since that is how the car is homologated in the United Kingdom, Japanese authorities told the importer that its power should remain unchanged.[28] The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association also self-imposes a speed limit of 140 km/h (87 mph) for kei cars.[29]

In a rare example of an overseas mass-produced model being sold as a kei car in Japan, a kei version of the Smart Fortwo (called the Smart K) was sold in Japan by Yanase from 2001 to 2004. The Smart K used revised rear fenders and reduced tire dimensions and track width to conform to kei regulations.[30] The model was not a success, and sold the fewest examples of a kei car when it was marketed.[9]

The Suzuki Wagon R was the best-selling kei car in Japan from 2003 to 2008.[31] Starting in 2011, Toyota entered the kei car market for the first time. The resulting Toyota Pixis Space, a rebadged Daihatsu Move Conte, was expected to increase competition in that market.[32] Nissan and Mitsubishi began to jointly produce the Mitsubishi eK (also sold as the Nissan Dayz and formerly the Nissan Otti). Honda's kei car lineup—the N-one, N-Box, and N-WGN—accounts for around a quarter of its overall sales.[citation needed]

Reduced incentives (2014–present) edit

 
Subaru Chiffon

In April 2014, the Japanese government significantly reduced advantages for kei car owners, imposing a higher sales tax, a higher gasoline tax, and a higher kei car tax, the last of which was raised by 50 percent—greatly reducing tax benefits compared to regular-sized cars.[2]

Daihatsu, Honda, Suzuki and Nissan-Mitsubishi (through the NMKV joint venture) are currently the only mass-production manufacturers of kei cars. Mazda sells rebadged Suzuki models, Toyota and Subaru sell badge-engineered Daihatsu models, and Nissan-Mitsubishi sources their commercial kei models from Suzuki.

Electric kei cars edit

 
Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The electric version of the Mitsubishi i, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV was the first electric kei car. This was launched for fleet purchasers in 2009 in the Japanese domestic market. It became available to the wider public as well as the global market in 2010.[33] The i-MiEV uses a 47 kW (63 hp) permanent-magnet synchronous motor powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.[34] It can charge overnight in 14 hours from home 100-volt mains, or in 30 minutes from quick-charging stations installed at fleet locations. Its range is 100 km (62 mi) as tested by the US EPA, and 160 km (99 mi) as tested by the Japanese Transport Ministry. It was the world's first mass-produced electric car, and the first electric car to sell more than 10,000 units.[35][36][3][37]

Rebadged and slightly updated variants of the i-MiEV were also sold in Europe as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero. In 2011, Mitsubishi launched the MINICAB-MiEV; a battery electric version of the Minicab microvan, borrowing the drivetrain and key components from the i-MiEV.[38][39] As of March 2015, over 50,000 units across all variants (including the two minicab versions sold in Japan) have been sold worldwide since 2009.[40] Production of the i-MiEV was discontinued in 2021.

 
Nissan Sakura

In May 2022, NMKV launched the Nissan-badged Sakura and the Mitsubishi-badged eK X EV in the Japanese domestic market. These models have a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with an estimated WLTC range of 180 km (110 mi). Both use a single electric motor with a maximum output of 47 kW (63 hp; 64 PS). The eK X EV is a battery-electric version of the Mitsubishi eK X, and the Sakura is an update to Nissan's Dayz line. The two are eligible for EV purchase incentives in Japan, and as of June 2022, are also the cheapest new BEVs from a major Japanese manufacturer.[41][42][43]

Taxation and insurance edit

The vehicle excise tax levy is 2% of the purchase price, compared to 3% for a regular car.[44] A 24-month insurance contract typically costs ¥18,980 at the time of registration versus ¥22,470 for a larger car.[citation needed]

An automobile weight tax also is levied: The amount is ¥13,200 and ¥8,800 for a three- and two-year period, respectively, as compared to the ¥18,900 and ¥12,600 charged for larger-sized passenger cars. The savings are thus more than 30% in both cases. This weight tax is paid after the vehicle has passed its safety inspection. The required road tax is based on the engine's displacement.

Best-selling models edit

Gallery edit

360 cc era edit

550 cc era edit

Kei sports cars edit

Present edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ . Nikkei Asian Review. 4 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2 August 2020.
  2. ^ a b Tabuchi, Hiroko (8 June 2014). "Japan Seeks to Squelch Its Tiny Cars". The New York Times. p. B1.
  3. ^ a b Posky, Matt (5 September 2017). "Government Intervention is Intentionally Killing the Japanese Kei Car". The Truth About Cars. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  4. ^ Schreffler, Roger (5 February 2019). "Mini-Car Sales Up in Japan in 2018, Bigger Vehicles Down". WardsAuto. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  5. ^ a b Rees, p. 79
  6. ^ Tajitsu, Naomi (10 October 2018). "Aging Japan: Built for young families, minicars attract a huge following among elderly drivers". Reuters. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  7. ^ a b Csere, Csaba (November 1986). "Honda Today: Space efficiency doesn't have to be ugly". Car and Driver. Vol. 32, no. 5. CBS Magazines. p. 110.
  8. ^ , ALTs in Sendai (via Internet Archive)
  9. ^ a b c Garrett, Jerry (25 November 2007). "Small Things in Good Packages". The New York Times.
  10. ^ "軽自動車とは" (in Japanese). Kei car Inspection Organization. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  11. ^ "道路運送車両法". 一般財団法人 自動車検査登録情報協会 (Automobile Inspection & Registration Information Association) (in Japanese). 一般財団法人 自動車検査登録情報協会. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  12. ^ Nunn, Peter (January–February 2005). . JAMA. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  13. ^ "Suzuki Fronte, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Cervo, Suzuki Kei". www.xs4all.nl. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  14. ^ . Archived from the original on 30 October 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  15. ^ a b Rees, p. 78
  16. ^ Nippon Kei Car Memorial, p. 79
  17. ^ Nippon Kei Car Memorial, p. 75
  18. ^ a b Ogawara, Kazuyo, ed. (16 June 2015), 週刊 日本の名車 [Famous Japanese Cars Weekly], Tokyo: K.K. DeAgostini Japan, p. 3
  19. ^ a b c Yamaguchi, Jack K. (1977), "The Year of the Third Power", World Cars 1977, Pelham, NY: The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books, p. 56, ISBN 0-910714-09-6
  20. ^ a b Yamaguchi, Jack K. (1979). Lösch, Annamaria (ed.). "The Year of Uncertainty?". World Cars 1979. Pelham, NY: The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books: 61. ISBN 0-910714-11-8.
  21. ^ a b Yamaguchi, Jack K. (1976), "Japan: Reluctant Number One", World Cars 1976, Bronxville, NY: L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books, p. 56, ISBN 0-910714-08-8
  22. ^ Nippon Kei Car Memorial, p. 91
  23. ^ "Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book, Volume 25". 自動車ガイドブック [Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book] (in Japanese). 25. Japan: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association: 334. 10 October 1978. 0053-780025-3400.
  24. ^ a b "Midget car exports in 1980 hit record". Nihon Keizai Shimbun. Tokyo: 7. 24 February 1981.
  25. ^ "Midget car sales swell 21%". Nihon Keizai Shimbun. Tokyo: 7. 19 January 1982.
  26. ^ Yamaguchi, Jack K. (1980), Lösch, Annamaria (ed.), "Consummation of the Turbulent Decade", World Cars 1980, Pelham, New York: L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books, pp. 66–67, ISBN 0-910714-12-6
  27. ^ [Goo-net Catalog: Mitsubishi Minica, 1990.08] (in Japanese). Goo-net. Archived from the original on 19 April 2020.
  28. ^ Schmitt, Bertel (17 January 2017). . Forbes. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020.
  29. ^ 藤田竜太 (Ryuta Fujita) (25 September 2017). [No legal obligations! How were the speed limiters of 140 km/h for kei cars and 180 km/h for ordinary cars selected?]. Web Cartop (in Japanese). Kotsu Times Sha Co., Ltd. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020.
  30. ^ "The 37th Tokyo Motor Show". Japan Automobile Manufactures Association. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
  31. ^ . Japan Corporate News Network KK. 6 October 2008. Archived from the original on 16 June 2010. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  32. ^ . japantoday.com. 27 September 2011. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020.
  33. ^ "Mitsubishi Motors lowers price of electric i-MiEV". Reuters. 30 March 2010. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  34. ^ "Mitsubishi Motors to bring new-generation EV i-MiEV to market" (Press release). Mitsubishi Motor. 5 June 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  35. ^ . www.evworld.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  36. ^ . transportevolved.com. Archived from the original on 20 March 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  37. ^ "Best-selling electric car". archive.ph. 16 February 2013. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  38. ^ "Mitsubishi Motors TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2011". www.mitsubishi-motors.com. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  39. ^ "2011 Mitsubishi MINICAB MiEV Van @ Top Speed". Top Speed. 3 July 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  40. ^ . 24 March 2015. Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  41. ^ "新型日産サクラ登場──本格的な軽電気自動車がついに出た!". GQ JAPAN (in Japanese). 20 May 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  42. ^ 有, 伊藤 (20 May 2022). "日産の新型 電気軽自動車「サクラ」最速試乗…「軽」ばなれしたパワーに驚く(動画アリ)". BUSINESS INSIDER JAPAN (in Japanese). Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  43. ^ "走りはまるで高級車。静かでスムーズな加速の軽EV、日産SAKURA(サクラ)". clicccar.com (in Japanese). 20 May 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  44. ^ Consumption Tax Trends 2014 VAT/GST and excise rates, trends and policy issues: VAT/GST and excise rates, trends and policy issues. OECD. 2014. p. 153. ISBN 9789264223943.

Further reading edit

  • Rees, Chris (1995). Microcar Mania. Minster Lovell & New Yatt, Oxfordshire, UK: Bookmarque Publishing. ISBN 1-870519-18-3.
  • 360cc: Nippon 軽自動車 Memorial 1950→1975 [Nippon Kei Car Memorial 1950–1975] (in Japanese). Tokyo: Yaesu Publishing. 2007. ISBN 978-4-86144-083-0. OCLC 675044530.

External links edit

  •   Media related to Kei cars at Wikimedia Commons

confused, with, smallest, category, japanese, expressway, legal, motor, vehicles, diminutive, jidōsha, kanji, 軽自動車, light, automobile, compact, automobile, pronounced, keːdʑidoːɕa, with, restricted, dimensions, engine, specifications, owners, benefit, firstly,. Not to be confused with K car Kei car is the smallest category of Japanese expressway legal motor vehicles Kei is diminutive for kei jidōsha kanji 軽自動車 light automobile or compact automobile pronounced keːdʑidoːɕa With restricted dimensions and engine specifications owners benefit firstly from lower taxes and insurance rates which lead to a lower overall cost of ownership And in most rural areas importantly they were also exempted from the general Japanese shako shōmeisho 車庫証明書 parking space ownership requirement to legally buy a motor vehicle at all citation needed as street parking is generally restricted in Japan Japan s carmakers also make microvans and kei trucks within this legal category Honda N Box The kei category was created by the Japanese government in 1949 to stimulate both car ownership and growth of Japan s car industry The regulations were revised multiple times until 1998 but since October 1998 the law consistently specifies a maximum vehicle length width and height under 3 4 m 11 2 ft 1 48 m 4 9 ft and 2 0 m 6 6 ft respectively and engine displacement under 660 cc 40 3 cu in A gentleman s agreement for a maximum power of 64 PS 63 hp 47 kW was reached between Japanese automakers and lawmakers Kei cars have been very successful in Japan since the 1960s consisting of over one third of domestic new car sales in fiscal year 2016 after dropping from a record 40 percent market share in 2013 To lower the market share of kei cars Japan increased taxes on the category by 50 in 2014 1 2 3 In 2018 seven of the 10 top selling models were nonetheless kei cars including the top four all boxy passenger vans the Honda N Box Suzuki Spacia Nissan Dayz and Daihatsu Tanto 4 For exports the vehicles are generally too small and specialized to be profitable 5 Notable exceptions exist for instance the Suzuki Alto and Daihatsu Cuore which have been exported consistently from around 1980 The export version of the Suzuki Jimny has become very popular both in and outside of Japan Kei cars are both popular with the elderly but also with youths and younger families because of their affordability and ease of use 6 Nearly all kei cars have been designed and manufactured in Japan but a version of the German made Smart Fortwo was briefly imported and officially classified as a kei car and since then the British Caterham 7 160 also received such classification Contents 1 Description 1 1 A segment comparison 2 History 2 1 Up to 360 cc era 1948 1975 2 2 550 cc era 1976 1990 2 3 660 cc era 1990 2014 2 4 Reduced incentives 2014 present 3 Electric kei cars 4 Taxation and insurance 5 Best selling models 6 Gallery 6 1 360 cc era 6 2 550 cc era 6 3 Kei sports cars 6 4 Present 7 See also 8 References 9 Further reading 10 External linksDescription edit nbsp Private kei license plate nbsp Commercial kei license plate Japanese government regulations limit the outer physical size and combustion engine displacement and power output of kei cars see detailed table below Kei cars have also been subject to other restrictions chiefly lower speed limits than bigger vehicles older Kei cars also had a warning chime that sounded when being driven too fast 7 Kei cars feature yellow license plates with black numbers on a yellow background for private use and yellow numbers on a black background for commercial use earning them the name yellow plate cars in English speaking circles 8 9 Modern Kei cars are often available with turbocharged engines automatic and continuously variable transmissions and choice of front wheel or all wheel drive 9 After the 1980s Kei cars had matured so much in power speed and passive crash safety that they were no longer bound to lower maximum speeds than other cars Japan s carmakers since agreed on a self imposed maximum 140 km h 87 mph speed mostly because of their narrow width A segment comparison edit Kei cars are often considered the Japanese equivalent of the European Union s citation needed A segment city cars However contrary to Japan s special Kei cars legal status and limitations there are no EU or pan European legal restrictions exceptions or benefits for what European auto journalism or market analysts call the A market segment of motor vehicles Although some Kei models are successfully exported or licensed the great majority are designed and built for the Japanese domestic market JDM only as they are entirely optimized to offer the most appealing vehicles within the very specific to Japan Kei car rules 5 in addition to mainly being built with the steering on the right Contrary to popular belief according to the 1 January 1990 regulations there is no official power limit for Kei cars The limit is dictated by a Gentleman s Agreement between Japanese auto manufacturers as the most powerful Kei car at the time was rated at 64 PS 47 kW 63 hp This agreement was reached to prevent a horsepower race and to remain true to the modest spirit of the Kei class to charge lower tax on small vehicles that are just enough to meet basic transportation needs Kei car regulations 10 11 Date Max length Max width Max height Max displacement Max power gentleman s agreement between Japan s car and lawmakers four stroke two stroke 8 July 1949 2 8 m 110 in 1 0 m 39 4 in 2 0 m 78 7 in 150 cc 9 2 cu in 100 cc 6 1 cu in 26 July 1950 3 0 m 118 in 1 3 m 51 2 in 300 cc 18 3 cu in 200 cc 12 2 cu in 16 August 1951 360 cc 22 0 cu in 240 cc 14 6 cu in 1 April 1955 360 cc 22 0 cu in 1 January 1976 3 2 m 126 in 1 4 m 55 1 in 550 cc 33 6 cu in 1 January 1990 3 3 m 130 in 660 cc 40 3 cu in 64 PS 47 kW 63 hp 1 October 1998 3 4 m 134 in 1 48 m 58 3 in History editUp to 360 cc era 1948 1975 edit nbsp 1958 Suzuki Suzulight SS The kei legal class originated in the era following the end of World War II when most Japanese citizens could not afford a full sized car though many had enough money to buy a light motorcycle To stimulate growth of the car industry as well as offer alternative commuting means and delivery vehicles for small shops and businesses the kei car category reduced tax burden and accompanying legal maximums for essential transportation vehicles were created 12 At first limited to a displacement of just 150 cc or just 100 cc for two stroke engines in 1949 dimensions and engine size limitations were gradually but swiftly expanded in 1950 1951 and 1955 to make kei cars more attractive to buyers and production more viable to manufacturers From 1955 the displacement limit increased to 360 cc for both two stroke and four stroke engines resulting in several new kei car models beginning production in the following years These included the 1955 Suzuki Suzulight 13 and the 1958 Subaru 360 considered the first truly mass produced kei cars 14 which were finally able to fill people s need for basic transportation without being too severely compromised In 1955 the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry MITI also set forth goals to develop a national car that was larger than kei cars produced at the time This goal influenced Japanese automobile manufacturers to determine how best to focus their product development efforts for kei cars or the larger national cars The small exterior dimensions and engine displacement reflected the driving environment in Japan with speed limits in Japan realistically not exceeding 40 km h 24 9 mph in urban areas Kei cars were not allowed to be driven any faster than 40 km h until the mid 1960s when the kei speed limit was increased to 60 km h 37 3 mph The early vehicles were comparable to the European bubble cars of the era The class then went through a period of ever increasing sophistication 15 with an automatic transmission appearing in the Honda N360 in August 1968 and front disc brakes becoming available on a number of sporting kei cars beginning with the Honda Z GS of January 1970 16 Power outputs also kept climbing reaching a peak with the 40 PS 29 kW 39 hp Daihatsu Fellow Max SS of July 1970 17 Sales increased steadily reaching a peak of 750 000 in 1970 Until 31 December 1974 kei cars used smaller license plates than regular cars at 230 mm 125 mm 9 1 in 4 9 in From 1975 they received medium sized standard plates which are 330 mm 165 mm 13 0 in 6 5 in To set them apart from regular passenger cars the plates were now yellow and black rather than white and green 550 cc era 1976 1990 edit nbsp Daihatsu Hijet S40 Throughout the 1970s the government kept whittling away at the benefits offered to kei vehicles which combined with ever stricter emissions standards to lower sales drastically through the first half of the decade 15 Previously exempt mandatory annual inspections for kei cars were added in 1973 and put an additional damper on sales 18 Honda and Mazda withdrew from the shrinking passenger kei car market in 1974 and 1976 respectively although they both maintained a limited offering of commercial vehicles Sales had been steadily declining reaching a low of 150 000 passenger cars in 1975 80 less than 1970 sales 19 Emissions laws were another problem for the kei car industry in the mid 1970s From 1973 to 1978 emissions standards were to be tightened in four steps 20 Meeting the stricter standards which were to be introduced in 1975 would be problematic for manufacturers of kei cars This was particularly hard for Daihatsu and Suzuki which focused on two stroke engines and especially Suzuki a relatively small company whose entire lineup consisted of two stroke kei cars 21 Daihatsu though had both the engineering backing and powerful connections of their owner Toyota to aid them in meeting the new requirements All manufacturers of kei cars were clamoring for increased engine displacement and vehicle size limits claiming that the emissions standards could not be met with a functional 360 cc engine In the end the Japanese legislature relented increasing the overall length and width restrictions by 200 mm 7 9 in and 100 mm 3 9 in respectively Engine size was increased to 550 cc taking effect from 1 January 1976 21 The new standards were announced on 26 August 1975 leaving very little time for manufacturers to revise their designs to take advantage of the new limits 22 Most manufacturers were somewhat surprised by the decision having expected a 500 cc 30 5 cu in limit they had already developed new engines to fit such restrictions These new engines were quickly introduced usually mounted within widened bodies of existing models 19 These interim versions with displacements ranging between 443 and 490 cc were feelers developed to see if a continued market existed for the kei car 19 As sales improved these engines only lasted for a model year or so until manufacturers had the time to develop maximum sized engines Only Daihatsu had a 550 cc engine ready and thus avoided developing transitional engines that did not immediately take full advantage of the new regulations Kei car sales remained stagnant however while combined passenger and commercial kei car sales reached 700 000 for the first time since 1974 20 the small cars still lost market share in a quickly growing market As the kei cars became larger and more powerful another benefit appeared as exports increased considerably In particular export sales of kei trucks increased while kei passenger car exports increased at a lower rate In 1976 the number of exported kei cars and trucks combined was 74 633 up 171 year on year despite exports of passenger kei cars decreasing 23 In 1980 another record year occurred as exports grew by 80 3 to 94 301 units of which 77 6 were microtrucks 24 Nearly 17 of exports went to Europe dwarfed by Chile which took nearly a quarter of the exported kei vehicles 24 Due to the difficult economic environment low priced cars sold well at the turn of the decade 1981 marked another successful year as Japanese kei car sales reached their highest since 1970 at 1 229 809 units for cars and trucks 25 This was also thanks to a new phenomenon To help boost their sales Suzuki developed a new car which could be sold as a commercial vehicle although it was really intended for private use thus avoiding the 15 5 excise tax Efficient bare bones design meant that the resulting Suzuki Alto was considerably cheaper than any of its competitors and it set the tone for kei cars for the entire 1980s Until the excise tax was abolished in 1989 light commercials like the Alto and its competitors nearly completely supplanted the passenger car versions 18 As the 1980s progressed kei cars became increasingly refined losing their utilitarian origins as Japanese customers became ever better off Features such as electric windows turbochargers four wheel drive and air conditioning became available on kei car models Conversely van versions of kei hatchbacks were now marketed to non business customers to take advantage of even lower taxation and more lenient emissions rules this move in the market was spearheaded by Suzuki with their 1979 Alto and competitors soon followed suit with the Subaru Family Rex and the Daihatsu Mira appearing within a year s time 26 In the 1980s the speed limit for kei cars was 80 km h 50 mph Government rules also mandated a warning chime to alert the driver if this speed was exceeded 7 660 cc era 1990 2014 edit nbsp Smart K The kei car regulations were revised in March 1990 allowing engines a displacement increase of 110 cc 6 7 cu in or twenty percent while the maximum length was increased by 100 mm 3 9 in These changes occurred during the 1990s Japanese economic bubble and all manufacturers quickly developed new models to suit Within five months all major kei models had switched from 550 cc to 660 cc engines 27 For the first time a power limit of 64 PS 47 kW 63 hp was also applied in addition to the limit on engine size in response to the ever increasing power outputs available with turbocharging and multivalve technologies popularized in the late 1980s Engine technology was also shared with sports bikes which are designed more for rider enjoyment and less so for fuel economy going against the idea of small people s cars and putting the kei cars tax and structural advantages at risk of a governmental backlash This power limit matched the highest output reached by any kei manufacturer at the time and was a gentlemen s agreement amongst the manufacturers in an effort to avoid a kei class horsepower war The only kei car to have exceeded this limit is the Caterham 7 160 a lightweight British sports car that was not expected to qualify as a kei car though it is small enough in dimensions and displacement to fit the regulations Its engine is rated at 80 hp 60 kW 81 PS since that is how the car is homologated in the United Kingdom Japanese authorities told the importer that its power should remain unchanged 28 The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association also self imposes a speed limit of 140 km h 87 mph for kei cars 29 In a rare example of an overseas mass produced model being sold as a kei car in Japan a kei version of the Smart Fortwo called the Smart K was sold in Japan by Yanase from 2001 to 2004 The Smart K used revised rear fenders and reduced tire dimensions and track width to conform to kei regulations 30 The model was not a success and sold the fewest examples of a kei car when it was marketed 9 The Suzuki Wagon R was the best selling kei car in Japan from 2003 to 2008 31 Starting in 2011 Toyota entered the kei car market for the first time The resulting Toyota Pixis Space a rebadged Daihatsu Move Conte was expected to increase competition in that market 32 Nissan and Mitsubishi began to jointly produce the Mitsubishi eK also sold as the Nissan Dayz and formerly the Nissan Otti Honda s kei car lineup the N one N Box and N WGN accounts for around a quarter of its overall sales citation needed Reduced incentives 2014 present edit nbsp Subaru Chiffon In April 2014 the Japanese government significantly reduced advantages for kei car owners imposing a higher sales tax a higher gasoline tax and a higher kei car tax the last of which was raised by 50 percent greatly reducing tax benefits compared to regular sized cars 2 Daihatsu Honda Suzuki and Nissan Mitsubishi through the NMKV joint venture are currently the only mass production manufacturers of kei cars Mazda sells rebadged Suzuki models Toyota and Subaru sell badge engineered Daihatsu models and Nissan Mitsubishi sources their commercial kei models from Suzuki Electric kei cars edit nbsp Mitsubishi i MiEV The electric version of the Mitsubishi i the Mitsubishi i MiEV was the first electric kei car This was launched for fleet purchasers in 2009 in the Japanese domestic market It became available to the wider public as well as the global market in 2010 33 The i MiEV uses a 47 kW 63 hp permanent magnet synchronous motor powered by a 16 kWh lithium ion battery pack 34 It can charge overnight in 14 hours from home 100 volt mains or in 30 minutes from quick charging stations installed at fleet locations Its range is 100 km 62 mi as tested by the US EPA and 160 km 99 mi as tested by the Japanese Transport Ministry It was the world s first mass produced electric car and the first electric car to sell more than 10 000 units 35 36 3 37 Rebadged and slightly updated variants of the i MiEV were also sold in Europe as the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C Zero In 2011 Mitsubishi launched the MINICAB MiEV a battery electric version of the Minicab microvan borrowing the drivetrain and key components from the i MiEV 38 39 As of March 2015 over 50 000 units across all variants including the two minicab versions sold in Japan have been sold worldwide since 2009 40 Production of the i MiEV was discontinued in 2021 nbsp Nissan Sakura In May 2022 NMKV launched the Nissan badged Sakura and the Mitsubishi badged eK X EV in the Japanese domestic market These models have a 20 kWh lithium ion battery pack with an estimated WLTC range of 180 km 110 mi Both use a single electric motor with a maximum output of 47 kW 63 hp 64 PS The eK X EV is a battery electric version of the Mitsubishi eK X and the Sakura is an update to Nissan s Dayz line The two are eligible for EV purchase incentives in Japan and as of June 2022 are also the cheapest new BEVs from a major Japanese manufacturer 41 42 43 Taxation and insurance editThe vehicle excise tax levy is 2 of the purchase price compared to 3 for a regular car 44 A 24 month insurance contract typically costs 18 980 at the time of registration versus 22 470 for a larger car citation needed An automobile weight tax also is levied The amount is 13 200 and 8 800 for a three and two year period respectively as compared to the 18 900 and 12 600 charged for larger sized passenger cars The savings are thus more than 30 in both cases This weight tax is paid after the vehicle has passed its safety inspection The required road tax is based on the engine s displacement Best selling models editMain article Automotive industry in Japan Kei cars sales rankGallery edit360 cc era edit nbsp Subaru 360 1958 1970 nbsp Mazda R360 1960 1969 nbsp Daihatsu Fellow 1970 1976 nbsp Honda N360 1967 1972 nbsp Honda Life Step Van 1972 1974 nbsp Suzuki Fronte Coupe 1971 1976 550 cc era edit nbsp Mitsubishi Minica 1962 2011 nbsp Suzuki Cervo exported as the Suzuki SC100 1977 1982 nbsp Subaru Sambar 1961 present Kei sports cars edit nbsp Autozam AZ 1 1992 1994 nbsp Honda Beat 1991 1996 nbsp Suzuki Cappuccino 1991 1998 nbsp Honda S660 2015 2022 nbsp Daihatsu Copen 2002 2012 2014 present Present edit nbsp Honda N One nbsp Mitsubishi eK X space nbsp Suzuki Wagon R nbsp Nissan Dayz nbsp Mazda Carol nbsp Toyota Pixis JoySee also editKei truckReferences edit Auto sales in Japan rebound to 5 m units led by Toyota Nikkei Asian Review 4 April 2017 Archived from the original on 2 August 2020 a b Tabuchi Hiroko 8 June 2014 Japan Seeks to Squelch Its Tiny Cars The New York Times p B1 a b Posky Matt 5 September 2017 Government Intervention is Intentionally Killing the Japanese Kei Car The Truth About Cars Retrieved 19 August 2019 Schreffler Roger 5 February 2019 Mini Car Sales Up in Japan in 2018 Bigger Vehicles Down WardsAuto Retrieved 20 August 2019 a b Rees p 79 Tajitsu Naomi 10 October 2018 Aging Japan Built for young families minicars attract a huge following among elderly drivers Reuters Retrieved 20 August 2019 a b Csere Csaba November 1986 Honda Today Space efficiency doesn t have to be ugly Car and Driver Vol 32 no 5 CBS Magazines p 110 Owning a Car in Japan ALTs in Sendai via Internet Archive a b c Garrett Jerry 25 November 2007 Small Things in Good Packages The New York Times 軽自動車とは in Japanese Kei car Inspection Organization 16 December 2014 Retrieved 21 September 2020 道路運送車両法 一般財団法人 自動車検査登録情報協会 Automobile Inspection amp Registration Information Association in Japanese 一般財団法人 自動車検査登録情報協会 Retrieved 29 November 2016 Nunn Peter January February 2005 Minicars Cheap and Cheerful JAMA Archived from the original on 9 July 2022 Retrieved 10 May 2012 Suzuki Fronte Suzuki Alto Suzuki Cervo Suzuki Kei www xs4all nl Retrieved 1 January 2019 Kei Jidosha Official Autorec Blog Archived from the original on 30 October 2015 Retrieved 7 November 2015 a b Rees p 78 Nippon Kei Car Memorial p 79 Nippon Kei Car Memorial p 75 a b Ogawara Kazuyo ed 16 June 2015 週刊 日本の名車 Famous Japanese Cars Weekly Tokyo K K DeAgostini Japan p 3 a b c Yamaguchi Jack K 1977 The Year of the Third Power World Cars 1977 Pelham NY The Automobile Club of Italy Herald Books p 56 ISBN 0 910714 09 6 a b Yamaguchi Jack K 1979 Losch Annamaria ed The Year of Uncertainty World Cars 1979 Pelham NY The Automobile Club of Italy Herald Books 61 ISBN 0 910714 11 8 a b Yamaguchi Jack K 1976 Japan Reluctant Number One World Cars 1976 Bronxville NY L Editrice dell Automobile LEA Herald Books p 56 ISBN 0 910714 08 8 Nippon Kei Car Memorial p 91 Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book Volume 25 自動車ガイドブック Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book in Japanese 25 Japan Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association 334 10 October 1978 0053 780025 3400 a b Midget car exports in 1980 hit record Nihon Keizai Shimbun Tokyo 7 24 February 1981 Midget car sales swell 21 Nihon Keizai Shimbun Tokyo 7 19 January 1982 Yamaguchi Jack K 1980 Losch Annamaria ed Consummation of the Turbulent Decade World Cars 1980 Pelham New York L Editrice dell Automobile LEA Herald Books pp 66 67 ISBN 0 910714 12 6 Goo net カタログ 三菱 ミニカ MINICA のグレード一覧 1990年8月 Goo net Catalog Mitsubishi Minica 1990 08 in Japanese Goo net Archived from the original on 19 April 2020 Schmitt Bertel 17 January 2017 Japan Hands British Caterham Unfair Advantage Sorry Suzuki Daihatsu And Honda Forbes Archived from the original on 12 November 2020 藤田竜太 Ryuta Fujita 25 September 2017 法的な義務はなし 軽140km h 普通車は180km hのリミッター速度はどう決められたのか No legal obligations How were the speed limiters of 140 km h for kei cars and 180 km h for ordinary cars selected Web Cartop in Japanese Kotsu Times Sha Co Ltd Archived from the original on 9 November 2020 The 37th Tokyo Motor Show Japan Automobile Manufactures Association Retrieved 11 November 2011 Suzuki Wagon R 1st Half Best Selling Car for 5 Straight Years Japan Corporate News Network KK 6 October 2008 Archived from the original on 16 June 2010 Retrieved 14 December 2017 Toyota adds first minicar to Japan lineup japantoday com 27 September 2011 Archived from the original on 20 September 2020 Mitsubishi Motors lowers price of electric i MiEV Reuters 30 March 2010 Retrieved 3 July 2022 Mitsubishi Motors to bring new generation EV i MiEV to market Press release Mitsubishi Motor 5 June 2009 Retrieved 3 June 2022 Mitsubishi Firsts www evworld com Archived from the original on 24 March 2015 Retrieved 1 January 2019 Mitsubishi Recalls 2009 2014 i Miev Electric Cars for Faulty Brake Vacuum Pump transportevolved com Archived from the original on 20 March 2016 Retrieved 1 January 2019 Best selling electric car archive ph 16 February 2013 Archived from the original on 16 February 2013 Retrieved 2 July 2022 Mitsubishi Motors TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2011 www mitsubishi motors com Retrieved 2 July 2022 2011 Mitsubishi MINICAB MiEV Van Top Speed Top Speed 3 July 2012 Retrieved 2 July 2022 Mitsubishi Firsts EVWORLD COM 24 March 2015 Archived from the original on 24 March 2015 Retrieved 2 July 2022 新型日産サクラ登場 本格的な軽電気自動車がついに出た GQ JAPAN in Japanese 20 May 2022 Retrieved 2 July 2022 有 伊藤 20 May 2022 日産の新型 電気軽自動車 サクラ 最速試乗 軽 ばなれしたパワーに驚く 動画アリ BUSINESS INSIDER JAPAN in Japanese Retrieved 2 July 2022 走りはまるで高級車 静かでスムーズな加速の軽EV 日産SAKURA サクラ clicccar com in Japanese 20 May 2022 Retrieved 2 July 2022 Consumption Tax Trends 2014 VAT GST and excise rates trends and policy issues VAT GST and excise rates trends and policy issues OECD 2014 p 153 ISBN 9789264223943 Further reading editRees Chris 1995 Microcar Mania Minster Lovell amp New Yatt Oxfordshire UK Bookmarque Publishing ISBN 1 870519 18 3 360cc Nippon 軽自動車 Memorial 1950 1975 Nippon Kei Car Memorial 1950 1975 in Japanese Tokyo Yaesu Publishing 2007 ISBN 978 4 86144 083 0 OCLC 675044530 External links edit nbsp Media related to Kei cars at Wikimedia Commons Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Kei car amp oldid 1222593211, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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