Keicar

Keicars, also called keijidousha (in Japanese: 軽自動車), are small passenger cars as well as trucks. They are mainly (only) sold in Japan, because there are some tax and insurance relaxations and an exemption from the usual requirement of proof of parking. Keicars are available with turbo-charged engines, automatic transmission, 4-Wheel-Drive as well as Hybrids.

Table of contents

1 History and Regulations 2 Manufacturers 3 Famous Example Cars 4 External links

History and Regulations

• 1949 July 8 first regulations
  • length: up to 2.8m
  • width: up to 1 m
  • height: up to 2 m
  • displacement: up to 150 cm³ (4cycle), up to 100 cm³ (2cycle)
• 1950 July 26 major changes
  • length: up to 3 m
  • width: up to 1.3m
  • displacement: up to 300 cm³ (4cycle), up to 200 cm³ (2cycle)
• 1951 August 16 minor changes
  • displacement up to 360 cm³ (4cycle), up to 240 cm³ (2cycle)
• 1955 April 4 minor changes
  • no further differentiation between 2cycle and 4cycle: all up to 360 cm³
• 1976 January 1 major changes
  • length: up to 3.2m
  • width: up to 1.4m
  • displacement: up to 550 cm³
• 1984 January 1 medium changes
  • length: up to 3.4m
  • displacement: up to 660 cm³
• 1998 October 1 today's regulations
  • length: 3.4m or less
  • width: 1.48m or less
  • height: 2 m or less
  • displacement: 660 cm³ or less

Manufacturers

see also List of automobiles

• Daihatsu
• Suzuki
• Honda
• Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
• Nissan
• Mazda
• Subaru
• Smart (the only non-japanese company)

Famous Example Cars

• Daihatsu Mira, also called as Cuore (sold with some minor changes in Europe)
• Daihatsu Copen (a Convertible with a turbocharged engine, now sold in Europe)
• Honda Beat (a Fun-Convertible)
• Mazda AZ-1 (turbocharged gullwing sports car)
• Suzuki Cappucino (also a Convertible, was also sold in UK)
• Suzuki Wagon R+ (sold with some minor changes in Europe)

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