Kei Trucks & Cars

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A space for enthusiasts and owners of Kei vehicles, Japan's iconic mini trucks and cars. Share your ride, get advice, and explore all things kei – from mods and restorations to the latest trends and import news!

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Colorado is considering a bill that would allow people to drive adorable Japanese tiny-trucks on most of the state’s roads. US car manufacturers are fighting against the bill. (www.cpr.org)

submitted 1 day ago by altphoto@lemmy.today to c/keitrucks@lemm.ee

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cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/63424412

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[–] saltesc@lemmy.world 18 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

These things get used everywhere in the world. Used to have a yellow one on a farm. Tough, super cheap, and reliable hauler around the property. It got used more than the main 4×4s which were more for long distance off-roading in remote parts of the property where terrain gets nuts.

You could get a fleet of these for the price of an American "truck". And that means US car companies start losing profit from their useless overpriced can+trays.

[–] nokturne213@sopuli.xyz 8 points 1 day ago

The university in my town has a fleet of them.

[–] Geometrinen_Gepardi@sopuli.xyz 1 points 23 hours ago (1 children)

I would guess it's hard to break parts on them since they're so light?

[–] saltesc@lemmy.world 4 points 22 hours ago

Yep, exactly. Plus the mechanical simplicity means much fewer things fail anyway. Common repairs take minutes (suspension, servicing, electrics, etc.), are very simple, and very cheap. It's exactly what you want out of a workhorse vehicle. They've been so cleverly thought out because Japanese manufacturers had to be with KEI designs. Plus plemty come 4×4 and are very capable on soft terrain due to the lightness.

They're just so insanely practical and affordable. Everyone loves them. Everyone loves a big V8 turbo diesel that never gets stuck and can haul anything, but they're inferior mechanically and economically for most day-to-day run around jobs around the property.

I'm sure these will start flooding into the US agriculture industry if they're able to.