For this week's nominee, we visit to the domain of the "keicar" ("small car"), the group of cars so tiny we will probably never see them on the U. S. market. The Subaru R2 is a great example of this class. The R2 made its debut here in Japan in 2004. It replaced Subaru's "Pleo" line, another, much more boxy keicar. According to Wikipedia, the R2's more streamlined body is the influence of Andreas Zapatinas, a Subaru designer who formerly worked for Alfa Romeo.
Keicars are easy to spot, not only for their small size, but because they get special yellow license plates. They are even smaller than the compact Ractis and Cube featured in earlier posts. There is a reason they are so small.
This class of vehicle was introduced to help build the auto industry in reconstruction-era Japan, a time when most people could not afford larger cars. Now, in a much more prosperous time, it is maintained for other reasons. Vehicles meeting official class guidelines are eligible for special tax and insurance discounts. Furthermore, they are exempt from an interesting requirement that applies to all larger cars: in order to register anything bigger than a keicar, you need certified proof that you either own or have contracted for a parking space.
The size requirements for the keicar class (which by the way includes minivan and SUV entries) brings home just how small they are:
length: under 11 feet 1 inch
width: under 4 feet 10 inches
height: under 6 feet 7 inches
engine size: under 660 ccs
engine power: under 64 hp
Would your vehicle qualify?
12 comments:
Hi Tom,
I love the car of the week segment. Could you tell me about the streets? Is this stone street common? Have you driven in Japan?
Hi Cindy:
Thanks for the positive feedback! The stone-paving is not common on major streets in Tokyo--they're all blacktop. But on some smaller neighborhood "main" streets you find it. This street is in one of the main the retail sections of Azabu-Juban.
I haven't driven here yet, and I probably won't in Tokyo. I would like to rent a car in the spring, and head out into the countryside.
Tom:
I had a lot of catching up to do on your blog. I find it very informative and interesting. thank you for being so generous in sharing your "news and views" of Japan.
I was happy to see a Chevy TrailBlazer just behind the R2 you posted. The smaller vehicles inspire closterphobia (sp?) in me.
I am most interested in how you and your are recived by the people in public places such as hotels restaurants and shopping establishments?
I was warmly moved by the "grandmother" who adopted you and yours as honorary granchildren and it reminded me of the larger version of God's family.
Thanks for the note, Skip. There larger vehicles here, too, but Chevys are rare.
In restaurants or stores here, folks are very polite. When we (or anyone) comes into a shop, the workers all call out a greeting. It's funny, but we get better service in restaurants here than in the U.S., even though protocol prohibits tipping here.
My 1973 Honda 750 motorcycle has more horsepower than a keicar! Had to laugh! Wrap one up in a handkerchief, stuff it in your pocket and bring one home for us to see! steve gregory
Hey dad!
That car reminds me of Justin's mg midget....although I doubt he'd be able to fit in one of those because they have a roof :)
Suburu sold cars in the US smaller than that back in the 60's. One entered through the front....if you can imagine that. The steering wheel was a more like a rudder stick. It had two wheels in the front and one in the back. And you thought three-wheelers were just for kids. I have actually been in one.
Right you are, William. The keicars used to be even smaller than they are now. And the R2 is a revival of the popular (in Japan) R-2 from the 1960s.
The official keicar limitations on size and power have been adjusted upward four or five times since the original guidelines in 1949. Here they are (thanks to Wikipedia):
length: 9.2 feet
width: 3.3 feet
height: 6.6 feet
engine size (2 cylinder): 100cc
engine size (4 cylinder): 150cc
I hadn't heard of the front-opening one--would love to see one someday (not sure I would be able to fit inside, though).
By the way, according to Yahoo! news, Smart--the only non-Japanese keicar maker--is going to try marketing one of its vehicles in the States. I'm not sure how it will do. I think some Americans are looking for smaller cars, but I wonder how many will want something this small.
Of course, if the government were to make special tax benefits, or the insurance industry special pricing (as here in Japan) that might prop them up a bit. I don't think that will happen, though, unless consumer demand is strong.
Tavera car for rent in coimbatore|Indica car for rent in coimbatore|innova car for rent in coimbatore|mini bus for rent in coimbatore|tempo traveller for rent in coimbatore|
I really liked your Information. Keep up the good work. Japanese number plates
Your website is very beautiful or Articles. I love it thank you for sharing for everyone. Japan license plates
Post a Comment