I think this is a dumb decision by the government. Why can't politicians just leave their hands-off the free market & let customers choose? Why must they penalize customers for buying what they want (ultra-small cars)? Little tiny cars burn less fuel, create less pollution, et cetera. Informative Article: Why Japan's government is looking to curb its adorable kei car market - Autoblog Time-wasting video:
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.
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.
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. .
Good point about Kei cars being safer than cycles. Yeah! Exactly! Just like we do in the United..... um..... never mind. (People who request less intervention are labeled "kooks" by the politicians.)
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
