Kei cars are among the most popular cars in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), but what exactly makes these ultra-compact cars so sought-after? To Japanese consumers and some international collectors, Kei cars are the perfect marriage between form and functionality.
At the recent Tokyo Auto Show, several new and exciting models of Kei cars were revealed. Read on with the car ownership experts
at Jerry to learn all about these new Kei cars, and what they have to offer. What is a Kei car?
If you’re unfamiliar, these compact, highway-legal Japanese city cars were first created in 1949 as a compact and eco-friendly alternative to the more popular sedan. Not only are Kei cars lightweight, fun to drive, and surprisingly capable, but owners qualify for various tax benefits and incentives.
In North America, you’ll often see large SUVs, trucks, and RVs marketed as the ideal vehicles for trips and adventures, but that’s not the case in Japan.
According to thundergearz.com
, these compact vehicles are often used for camping and off-roading.Following the first lockdown of the pandemic, Kei cars only grew in popularity as people were seeking the freedom that comes with travel and exploration. In order to meet the category qualifications, Kei cars must fit within the dimensions of 10.8 feet long, 4.6 feet wide, and 6.6 feet tall. That makes them perfect for the densely-populated nature of Japanese city centers.
The best Kei cars at the Tokyo Motor Show
There were many interesting models that premiered at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, but one notable car was the Amaho by Direct Cars. This boxy vehicle makes use of every inch of space and can accommodate four people, a kitchenette, and a sink. Not only that but the solar panels on the roof help to power the 60occ petrol engine.
The Amaho was developed on the same platform as the Daihatsu Hijet, which came out with a camper of its own this year. The Atrai Deck Camper by Daihatsu can accommodate up to seven people with the additional roof tent deployed, making it the perfect vehicle for a family camping trip.
Lastly, there was the Miniature Cruise Henro by Oka Motors. This pint-sized camper is based on the iconic Suzuki
Every Van. The interior is soft and stylish and even sports a setup for tea service. MORE: A Japanese Classic: the Cappuccino
Getting insurance for a collector car
While you can’t buy a new Kei car in the U.S., any foreign-market vehicle that is at least 25 years old is eligible to be imported. Because of their small size and general affordability, vintage Kei cars are growing in popularity on the import market
. Finding insurance for a vintage collector car or import can be tricky. Let Jerry
handle the paperwork, and we’ll find you the best deal out there. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.
To ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will even send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
MORE: What Are the Most Popular JDM Cars?
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