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.