In recent years, the number of Japanese cars has been increasing. But what about kei cars? Will they ever be able to travel to us?

What is a kei car?

First of all, it is important to remember what a kei car actually is. The latter, an abbreviation of keijidosha, these are models specific to the Japanese market. They are subject to strict government-regulated size and tonnage restrictions. They were originally introduced after World War II to help revive the Japanese economy without excessively depleting natural resources. These microcars are characterized by low cost and low emissions. But can they the interest of Europe ? The answer is yes! And there are several reasons for this! With increasing traffic jams in European cities, Kei Cars can offer a practical solution for getting around tight spots. Compact dimensions make them ideal for narrow streets and tight parking lots. In addition, Kei Cars are exempt from taxes and insurance in Japan, which drives their high demand.

Kei Cars: A few more obstacles

In Europe, where the cost of owning a car is rising, these benefits may appeal to consumers. More and more Kei Cars are switching to electric motorization. This trend can compete with more imposing alternatives from Western manufacturers. Dacia Spring, despite its modest characteristics, proved the market’s appetite for affordable electric cars. However, there are still some hurdles to overcome. For example, these small cars do not meet the safety requirements that are put forward in Europe. Their import would require adaptation to meet local standards. But that’s not all, as previous attempts to bring Kei Cars-like models to Europe have had only limited success. Their engine, which is not very compatible with European driving habits, became an obstacle. Japanese Kei cars may well find a place in Europe, especially if they adapt to local standards and take advantage of their low price and efficiency in urban environments. It remains to be seen whether Japanese manufacturers will be willing to try the experiment again.

In the meantime, let’s take a look at these microcars that may well revolutionize our urban mobility.