Everyday Blog

Gas-saving work animals, in reality, Japanese mini trucks (called “Kei”, “Keitora” or “micro” trucks) are imported directly from Japan. Most feature 660cc engines and 4-wheel drive and are actually diminutive, but very practical pickup trucks. Each mini truck is about 11 ft. (3.4m) long with a usual box size of 6 ft.-4 in. (1.95m) in length. Such mini trucks from Japan can haul almost half a ton. Offered with hydraulic dumps and scissor lifts, most of these mini vehicles have fold-down box sides. 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. In terms of efficiency, some owners of Japanese mini trucks have reported gas mileage of greater than 60 miles per gallon. According to your choice of a new or used vehicle, US prices for Japanese mini trucks range from about $4,000 to $8,500. In the used mini truck market, a 1990 Suzuki Every Van is priced at around USD $6,086, while a 1992 Daihatsu Hi-Jet mini truck sells for approximately USD $5,848.

Current makes and models of Japanese mini trucks are the result of many generations of evolving styles and designs. The Kurogane KB pickup truck sporting a high designed rear engine was first shown in 1959. The Honda T360, a semi-front truck or pickup, came out in 1963 as the first Honda 4-wheel vehicle. The stylish Daihatsu Hi-Jet Cab was first seen on the 1964 market. The Cony 360 Wide with a 168 cm wheelbase, a rear rigid axle with leaf springs, and a 354 cc engine located underneath the center floor came out in 1965. During the following year of1966, a van was newly shown. Still available during the early seventies, this mini van lacked dynamic fashion, although its style was definitely contemporary. The Mazda Porter Cab with engine location beneath the front seats, was first shown in 1969. 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.