Automobile Enthusiasts
Related: About this forum'What Is That Thing?' Tiny Trucks Are Causing Big Fights.
In the land of big trucks, a tiny pickup is stealing drivers hearts. Now owners of the little haulers from Japan say theyre being driven off the road.
Kei trucks are smaller than a Volkswagen Beetle and powered by an engine commonly found in motorcycles, but they have beds as large as a full-size pickup from Detroit. The combination of size and utility are virtues in their home country, where both land and natural resources are scarce.
Lately they have taken off in the U.S., where owners say they do nearly everything that bigger pickups can do and come with additional featureslike being super sweet and making other drivers jealous. Even in states like Texas, where bigger is almost always better, kei trucks are flying off lots.
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But many states are barring them from public motorways because regulators say they are too fragile to share the road with American-sized automobiles. Kei truck superfans say size prejudice is at play and theyre revving up for a fight.
More..
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/pickup-truck-drivers-kei-japan-honda-693effd4?st=h6xiJv&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
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YorkRd
(362 posts)BWdem4life
(2,501 posts)Why let them on the road? If youre gonna let motorcycles on the road, why not this truck?
dweller
(25,242 posts)Its size didnt bother me , and thought it was a good idea .
Some ppl like smaller cars/trucks , are not hung up on size issues 🤏
✌🏻
Mosby
(17,637 posts)The politicians banning these vehicles need to be exposed and shamed.
MichMan
(13,551 posts)Wonder Why
(4,718 posts)Then add oversized tires, automatic everything including tailgates, optional rear lifts to load cargo and more! They will really be cool! And expensive!
stopdiggin
(13,005 posts)things are REALLY not supposed to be out on the highway. (and that's assuming the more friendly and forgiving type of blacktop)
Look - I routinely have to bump my speed up to 70-75 just in order to not impede traffic flow - on the way home from the grocery! Now imagine somebody poking along at 55 - in an egg carton - just daring the dualies and 18 wheelers - going with the regular traffic flow, at +15-20 faster ... It's a matter of basic safety. For everyone!
EarnestPutz
(2,683 posts)55 you can be ticketed. Seems that would solve a lot of problems.
stopdiggin
(13,005 posts)and my point being, that actually drive this speed (particularly in a small 'egg carton') is to present a danger not only to self, but to fellow travelers.
Driving these smallish vehicles in an environment and on roadways where they are suited doesn't really bother me - (and perhaps could be encouraged for the good sense and thrift that they represent. ) Interstate and highways - I have real doubts. And my concern is further engaged - by knowing fully well that a certain portion of the driving public, exercise virtually no degree of care or common sense. There are people out there that would literally drive a golf cart or a riding mower on the freeway - if they could get away with it.
mitch96
(14,766 posts)Here in Florida each county seems to have it's own rules. In my town It's ok but not on any major Highways.. Kinda sorta like street legal golf carts are ok on local roads..I've seen a few pickups and small vans.. Four wheel drive and two wheel drive...
https://minitrucks.net/collections/vehicles
MichMan
(13,551 posts)and certainly not on any major roads and highways
HariSeldon
(509 posts)He'd rather drive his T than his truck.
mitch96
(14,766 posts)running around. Lots of car shows on the weekends and holidays. Model T for everyday transport?
Nope and neither Kei trucks/cars either. I bet the Kei trucks are safer than the old "T"..
I would love to get a Kei van but I have no where to put it.. BTW they are all right hand drive..
Bristlecone
(10,520 posts)I drove a vehicle just like that to haul sand for traps and general course maintenance. It is not road worthy IMO.
HighFired49
(391 posts)What about motor cycles? Guess we should take them off hi-ways too.
proud patriot
(101,207 posts)they're super cute IMO
EarnestPutz
(2,683 posts)......of them as slowly migrating East from Japan and, having gained a foothold in Hawaii, moving on, next to California and then the world.
LisaM
(28,747 posts)That really seems like a logical solution.