'What Is That Thing?' Tiny Trucks Are Causing Big Fights.

[question everything]

In the land of big trucks, a tiny pickup is stealing drivers’ hearts. Now owners of the little haulers from Japan say they’re 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 features—like 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 they’re 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]

1. Unsafe at any speed

[BWdem4life]

15. So is a motorcycle

Why let them on the road? If you’re gonna let motorcycles on the road, why not this truck?

[dweller]

2. I saw one of these the other day

Its size didn’t bother me , and thought it was a good idea .
Some ppl like smaller cars/trucks , are not hung up on size issues 🤏



✌🏻

[Mosby]

3. The big auto makers are clearly scared of these things

The politicians banning these vehicles need to be exposed and shamed.

[MichMan]

7. Why ?, they are at least 25 years old.

[Wonder Why]

4. Wait until they outfit them with doolies, A/C, V-8 turbocharged engines and heavy duty springs!

Then add oversized tires, automatic everything including tailgates, optional rear lifts to load cargo and more! They will really be cool! And expensive!

[stopdiggin]

5. designed with a top speed of 50mph in mind.

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]

19. Don't interstate highways have a "minimum" speed allowed? If you drive less than 50 or.....

55 you can be ticketed. Seems that would solve a lot of problems.

[stopdiggin]

20. they do.

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]

6. "regulators say they are too fragile " but But BUT you can drive an old Model T down the road with no problems...

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]

9. No one is driving a 100 year old Model T around for routine transportation

and certainly not on any major roads and highways

[HariSeldon]

13. You haven't met my friend

He'd rather drive his T than his truck.

[mitch96]

17. Like I said, Ok around town but not on highways. I live in a quirky town that has all kinds of unique auto's

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]

8. I worked on a golf course during summers while in High School

I drove a vehicle just like that to haul sand for traps and general course maintenance. It is not road worthy IMO.

[HighFired49]

10. Too fragile??

What about motor cycles? Guess we should take them off hi-ways too.

[proud patriot]

11. we have a few of those on the Big Island

they're super cute IMO

[EarnestPutz]

21. We saw a bunch of them on our visit to Hawaii. They really are cute. I like to think....

......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]

12. Can't they just keep them off the highways?

That really seems like a logical solution.

[IronLionZion]

14. Local roads should be fine, like golf carts, scooters, bicycles, etc.

[Emile]

16. How many miles per gallon?

[Auggie]

18. These things are cool. How about a commuter car next?