Japan discourages tiny cars (0.6 liter Kei cars)

And where are they going to park all these bigger cars?

Some of the Kei cars have made it here and are popular for the above reason. The IQ is one I believe.

 

Is it me or does the host's voice sound autotuned?

 

I agree with you as long as people understand they are more vulnerable to injury/death while driving one, and accept that. The politicians are who the public voted into office. If they want less intervention, then they need to elect leadership that supports that ideal.

BTW, I'd love to have that Z28, but my wife would run me over with it.

 

Kei cars are not legal in the US because of safety requirements. My guess is Japan may be doing that, but I am not sure. It may just be an excuse that they are not exportable. No reason in 2014 to subsidize them with lower taxes. The smart fortwo and IQ are allowed in the US and are not kei cars..

IMHO we have too high of car safety standards. The vw XL1 for example won't get sold in the US for safety requirements. But motorcycles statistically are more dangerous than kei cars, and motorcycles are allowed. I say let the governments warn us, but stop adding new restrictions.

 

I can't pray, but those "too high safety standards" bless America leaving XL1 unsold!

 

That Z/28 has to be the stupidest car on the planet!
$75,000 for a car with no standard A/C, a one-speaker radio, and model-specific $2500 tires with no mileage warranty and are only just barely street-legal. Add to that a clunky 6-speed standard transmission, and all the visibility and fuel efficiency of a buttoned-up M1A2 Abrams tank.
MAN!!!!
I want one!!!

The kei (pronounced "K") car is a little bit safer than my Harley, so the "we're just trying to protect the people" argument doesn't cut it with me.
However (comma!) people in a democracy usually get the government that they deserve.

 

The IROC-Z was the car I cut my mechanical teeth on . I bought one new when they came out in '85 and didn't waste any time building a new engine within a year. The new Z-28 holds a really special place in my heart and I'd love to get my paws on one. Other than being 500 lbs too heavy, it's got all the right stuff, what a beast. I love the era we live in, you can buy a 50+ mpg car that gets you to work and come home to a 660 hp beast (not the Z-28) woohoo!

 

Camaros & Kei cars. I thought I was in the "OTHER" cars thread. Nope ... it does in fact say Prius, Hybrid, EV & Alt-Fuel Thread. Must be expanding the interpretation . . . or maybe this is the diesel Camaro & Kei offerings.

.

 

I have wanted to bring one of the Kei cars to the us for years. They have all different styles. Mini trucks, mini two seater sports cars, mini minivans. All are fuel efficient and safe for non freeway use. IMHO

 

Or safe for freeway use in countries where other vehicles are similar size