Japanese Mini Trucks – Fuel Saving Mechanical Work Horses
Imported directly from Japan, Japanese mini trucks (known as “Kei” Class, “Keitora” or “micro” trucks) are, in reality, gas-conserving work animals. Most of these admittedly very practical, but diminutive pickup trucks are equipped with 660cc engines and 4-wheel drive. Constructed to meet requirements for light vehicles in Japan, each mini truck is approximately 11 ft. (3.4m) long with a box generally measuring 6 ft.-4 in. (1.95m) in length. The hauling capacity of such Japanese mini trucks is nearly half a ton. The majority of these mini trucks have fold-down box sides and are available with hydraulic dumps and scissor lifts. Also for purchase are models with van bodies. Also, fully enclosed cabs, seat belts, windshield wipers, AM radios, heaters, lights and signals are all included features of these Japanese mini trucks. Mini trucks from Japan can accelerate to the speed of 75 miles per hour, and their average weight is 1500 pounds. With used models currently employed off-road in the US, such as on farms, mini trucks are used extensively in Asia. In Canada, Japanese mini trucks are considered suitable as regular vehicular traffic after passing local certification inspections. As road vehicles, they are low-maintenance, fuel-efficient, affordable and practical. With gas mileage reports of upwards of 60 miles per gallon from some owners, Japanese mini trucks are efficient vehicles. In the US, prices of Japanese mini trucks range from around $4,000 to $8,500, depending on whether you are interested in a new or used vehicle. A 1992 Daihatsu Hi-Jet mini truck can be bought for about USD $5,848, while a 1990 Suzuki Every Van goes for approximately USD $6,086, in the second-hand mini truck market.
Numerous generations of changing fashions and designs have culminated in the current makes and models of Japanese mini trucks. In 1959 the Kurogane KB pickup truck with a highly built rear engine was introduced. Then, in 1963 the first Honda 4-wheel vehicle was manufactured, the Honda T360, as a semi-front truck or pickup. New on the market for 1964 was the fashionable Daihatsu Hi-Jet Cab. In 1965, the Cony 360 Wide entered the market with a wheelbase of 168 cm, a rear rigid axle with leaf springs, and an engine of 354 cc located beneath the center floor. Then, a van was brought out in 1966. Still available during the early seventies, this mini van lacked dynamic fashion, although its style was definitely contemporary. Later, in 1969, the Mazda Porter Cab was introduced with engine placement under the front seats. This mini truck’s round headlights with rounded cadres which resembled spectacles, contributed to its partially comic style. Bearing such presently recognizable and sought-after motor vehicle industry names as Mitsubishi, Diahatsu, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki and Subaru, many more makes and models of mini trucks from Japan have entered the market since then.
