For decades, Japanese road taxation regulations have encouraged the development of practical, small displacement minicars that have evolved from low speed, minimalist transportation to truly practical automobiles. They are economical, have a small environmental footprint, and had a modest MSRP — perfect for an American market where high new car prices are a challenge for cash-strapped consumers in the era of rising interest rates.
Oddly, America automakers are going another direction, with larger, more expensive and more fuel-thirsty SUVs. Could Japanese-style Kei cars be successful in the American marketplace? They are the right car at the right time, argues Jim Anderton.