View source for Kei car

{{Short description|Smallest category of highway-legal Japanese cars}}
{{Distinguish|Chrysler K platform{{!}}K-car}}
{{For|an European classification of similarly sized cars|A-segment}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}

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'''Kei car''' is the [[Vehicle size class#Japan|smallest category]] of Japanese [[Controlled-access highway|expressway]]-legal motor vehicles. The term ''kei'' is a [[Clipping (morphology)|shortening]] of {{transliteration|ja|'''kei-jidōsha'''}}, ([[kanji]]: {{nihongo2|軽自動車}}), which translates to English as "light vehicle" ({{IPA|ja|keːdʑidoːɕa|pron}}).

With restricted dimensions and engine specifications, owners enjoy lower tax and [[Vehicle insurance|insurance rates]], leading to a lower overall ownership cost. In most rural areas, they are also exempt from the general Japanese {{Nihongo|2=車庫証明書|3=shako shōmeisho}} parking-space ownership requirement to legally buy a motor vehicle at all,<ref name="w092">{{cite web | title=PARKING CERTIFICATE (SHAKO SHOMEISHO) | website=Drive in Japan | date=July 26, 2016 | url=https://www.driveinjapan.com/parking/ | access-date=June 6, 2025}}</ref> as street parking is generally restricted in Japan. Japan's carmakers also make [[microvan]]s and [[kei truck]]s within this legal category. Kei cars are favored by both the elderly and younger demographics, including youths and young families, due to their affordability and ease of use.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tajitsu |first=Naomi |date=10 October 2018 |title=Aging Japan: Built for young families, minicars attract a huge following among elderly drivers |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-ageing-driving/aging-japan-built-for-young-families-minicars-attract-a-huge-following-among-elderly-drivers-idUSKCN1MK0H5 |access-date=20 August 2019 |work=Reuters}}</ref>

The ''kei'' category was created by the Japanese government in 1949, to stimulate both car ownership and growth of Japan's car industry. The regulations were revised multiple times until 1998, but since October 1998, the law consistently specifies a maximum vehicle length of {{cvt|3.4|m|ft|1}}, width of {{cvt|1.48|m|ft|1}}, height under {{cvt|2.0|m|ft|1}}, and [[engine displacement]] under {{cvt|660|cc|cuin|1}}. A "[[gentleman's agreement]]" between Japanese automakers and lawmakers also set a maximum power output of {{cvt|64|PS|hp kW|0}}.

Kei cars have been very successful in Japan since the 1960s, consisting of over one-third of domestic new-car sales in [[fiscal year]] 2016, after dropping from a record 40 percent market share in 2013. To reduce their market dominance, Japan increased taxes on the category by 50% in 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Auto-sales-in-Japan-rebound-to-5m-units-led-by-Toyota | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200802195950/https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Auto-sales-in-Japan-rebound-to-5m-units-led-by-Toyota | archive-date = 2020-08-02 | title = Auto sales in Japan rebound to 5&nbsp;m units, led by Toyota | work = [[The Nikkei#Holdings|Nikkei Asian Review]] | date = 2017-04-04 }}</ref><ref name="NYTsquelch">{{Cite news |last=Tabuchi |first=Hiroko |author-link=Hiroko Tabuchi |date=8 June 2014 |title=Japan Seeks to Squelch Its Tiny Cars |page=B1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/09/business/international/japan-seeks-to-squelch-its-tiny-cars.html}}</ref><ref name="TTACkilling">{{Cite web |last=Posky |first=Matt |date=5 September 2017 |title=Government Intervention is Intentionally Killing the Japanese Kei Car |url=https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/09/government-intervention-killing-japanese-kei-car/ |access-date=19 August 2019 |website=The Truth About Cars}}</ref> Despite this, in 2018, seven of the ten top-selling models were kei cars, including high-roof models with sliding doors such as the [[Honda N-Box]], [[Suzuki Spacia]], [[Nissan Dayz]], and [[Daihatsu Tanto]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schreffler |first=Roger |date=5 February 2019 |title=Mini-Car Sales Up in Japan in 2018, Bigger Vehicles Down |language=en |work=WardsAuto |url=https://www.wardsauto.com/industry/mini-car-sales-japan-2018-bigger-vehicles-down |access-date=20 August 2019}}</ref>

For exports, the vehicles are generally too small and specialized to be profitable.<ref name="microRees">[[#micro|Rees]], p. 79</ref> Notable exceptions exist; for instance, the [[Suzuki Alto]] and [[Daihatsu Cuore]]  have been exported consistently since around 1980. The export version of the [[Suzuki Jimny]], with upgrades to increase its width and power, has also gained significant popularity outside Japan.

Nearly all kei cars have been designed and manufactured in Japan, but some exceptions exist. A version of the European-built [[Smart Fortwo]] was briefly imported and officially classified as a kei car with modifications to reduce its width. In addition, the British [[Caterham 7#160|Caterham 7 160]] and the [[Fiat 126|Polski Fiat 126p]] (after 1990) also received such classification.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gaisha-oh.com/soken/fiat126/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20210905043548/https://www.gaisha-oh.com/soken/fiat126/ | archivedate = 2021-09-05 | title = 走行5000キロを刻むのは君だ!?奇跡のフィアット126に乗る | trans-title = Will you be the one to clock 5,000km? Ride the Miracle Fiat 126 | language = ja | first = Kentaro | last = Nakagome | date = 2015-12-08 | work = Gaisha-oh | publisher = Current Motor Corporation }}</ref>

== Description ==
[[File:Japanese black on yellow license plate.png|thumb|right|Private kei license plate]]
[[File:Japanese yellow on black license plate.png|thumb|right|Commercial kei license plate]]
Japanese government regulations limit the outer physical size, and ([[Internal combustion engine|combustion]]) [[engine displacement]] and [[Horsepower|power output]] of kei cars, see detailed table below. Kei cars have also been subject to other restrictions, chiefly lower speed limits than bigger vehicles; older Kei-cars also had a warning chime that sounded when being driven too fast.<ref name= "CD1186a">{{Cite magazine |last=Csere |first=Csaba |date=November 1986 |title=Honda Today: Space efficiency doesn't have to be ugly |magazine=[[Car and Driver]] |publisher=CBS Magazines |volume=32 |issue=5 |page=110 |ref=CD1186}}</ref>

Kei cars are issued special [[Vehicle registration plates of Japan|license plates]], with black numbers on a yellow background for private use, and yellow numbers on a black background for commercial use, earning them the name "yellow-plate cars" in English-speaking circles.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120208060752/http://www.sendaiedu.com/owningacar.html "Owning a Car in Japan"]}}, ALTs in Sendai (via [[Internet Archive]])</ref><ref name= "nytimes">{{Cite news |last=Garrett |first=Jerry |date=25 November 2007 |title= Small Things in Good Packages |work=[[The New York Times]] |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/automobiles/25MICRO.html}}</ref>

Modern Kei cars are often available with [[turbocharger|turbocharged]] engines, [[automatic transmission|automatic]] and [[continuously variable transmission|continuously variable]] transmissions, and choice of [[front-wheel drive|front-wheel]] or [[all-wheel drive]].<ref name="nytimes" /> After the 1980s, Kei cars had matured so much in power, speed, and passive (crash) safety, that they were no longer bound to lower maximum speeds than other cars. Japan's carmakers since agreed on a self-imposed maximum {{cvt|140|km/h|mph|}} speed, mostly because of their narrow width.

=== A-segment comparison ===
Kei cars are often considered the Japanese equivalent of the [[European Union]]'s{{cn|date=December 2023}} [[A-segment]] "city cars". However, contrary to Japan's special Kei cars' legal status and limitations, there are no EU- or pan-European legal restrictions, exceptions or benefits for what European auto journalism or market analysts call the 'A' market-segment of motor vehicles. Although some Kei models are successfully exported or licensed, the great majority are designed and built for the Japanese domestic market only, as they are entirely optimized to offer the most appealing vehicles within the very specific to Japan Kei-car rules,<ref name=microRees/> in addition to mainly being built with the steering on the right. 

Contrary to popular belief, according to the 1 January 1990 regulations, there is no official power limit for Kei cars. The limit is dictated by a gentleman's agreement among Japanese auto manufacturers, reached to prevent a horsepower race, as the most powerful Kei car at the time was rated at {{cvt|64|PS|kW hp|0}}.<ref name="BS17"/> It also means the cars remain true to the modest spirit of the Kei class, to charge lower tax on small vehicles that are just enough to meet basic transportation needs.
{{anchor|Regulations}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; padding:5px;"
|+ style="text-align: left;" | Kei car regulations<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 December 2014 |title= 軽自動車とは | trans-title= What is a mini car? |url=https://www.keikenkyo.or.jp/information/information_000123.html |access-date=21 September 2020 | website= keikenkyo.or.jp| publisher=Kei car [[Motor-vehicle inspection (Japan)|Inspection]] Organization |language=ja |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221106235702/https://www.keikenkyo.or.jp/information/information_000123.html |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=道路運送車両法 |trans-title= Road Transit Vehicle Act| url=https://www.airia.or.jp/info/system/02.html |access-date=29 November 2016 |website= airia.or.jp| publisher = 般財団法人 自動車検査登録情報協会 (Automobile Inspection & Registration Information Association) |language=ja}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="2" style="text-align: left;" "width:9em" | Date
! rowspan="2" style="width:6em" | Max. length
! rowspan="2" style="width:6em" | Max. width
! rowspan="2" style="width:6em" | Max. height
! colspan="2" style="width:12em" | Max. displacement
! rowspan="2" style="width:12em" | Max. power<br><small>('gentleman's agreement between Japan's car- and lawmakers')</small>
|-
!| [[Four-stroke cycle|four-stroke]]
!| [[Two-stroke cycle|two-stroke]]
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | 8 July 1949
|| {{convert|2.8|m|in|0|abbr=on}}
|| {{convert|1.0|m|in|1|abbr=on}}
| rowspan="7" | {{convert|2.0|m|in|1|abbr=on}}
|| {{cvt|150|cc|cuin|1}}
|| {{cvt|100|cc|cuin|1}}
| rowspan="5" {{n/a}}
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | 26 July 1950
| rowspan="3" | {{convert|3.0|m|in|0|abbr=on}}
| rowspan="3" | {{convert|1.3|m|in|1|abbr=on}}
|| {{cvt|300|cc|cuin|1}}
|| {{cvt|200|cc|cuin|1}}
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | 16 August 1951
|| {{cvt|360|cc|cuin|1}}
|| {{cvt|240|cc|cuin|1}}
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | 1 April 1955
| colspan="2" | {{cvt|360|cc|cuin|1}}
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | 1 January 1976
|| {{convert|3.2|m|in|0|abbr=on}}
| rowspan="2" | {{convert|1.4|m|in|1|abbr=on}}
| colspan="2" | {{cvt|550|cc|cuin|1}}
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | 1 January 1990
|| {{convert|3.3|m|in|0|abbr=on}}
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | {{cvt|660|cc|cuin|1}}
| rowspan="2" | {{cvt|64|PS|kW hp|0}}
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | 1 October 1998
|| {{convert|3.4|m|in|0|abbr=on}}
|| {{convert|1.48|m|in|1|abbr=on}}
|}

== History ==
=== Up to 360 cc era (1948–1975) ===
[[File:Suzulight ss 01.JPG|thumb|1958 [[Suzuki Suzulight]] SS]]

The kei legal class originated in the era following the end of [[World War II]], when most Japanese citizens could not afford a full-sized car, though many had enough money to buy a light [[motorcycle]]. To stimulate growth of the car industry, as well as offer alternative commuting means, and small delivery vehicles for shops and businesses, the kei-car category, reduced tax-burden, and accompanying legal maximums for "essential transportation" vehicles were created.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nunn |first=Peter |date=January–February 2005 |title=Minicars: Cheap and Cheerful |url=http://www.jama-english.jp/europe/news/2005/jan-feb/peternunn.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709134258/https://www.jama.or.jp/english/europe/news/2005/jan-feb/peternunn.html |archive-date=9 July 2022 |access-date=10 May 2012 |publisher=[[Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association|JAMA]]}}</ref> At first limited to a [[displacement (engine)|displacement]] of just 150&nbsp;cc (or just 100&nbsp;cc for [[two-stroke engine]]s)<!-- conversion already in table above --> in 1949, dimensions and engine size limitations were gradually expanded in 1950, 1951, and 1955, to make kei cars more attractive to buyers, and production more viable to manufacturers.

In 1955, the displacement limit was increased to 360&nbsp;cc for both [[two-stroke engine|two-stroke]] and [[four-stroke engine]]s, resulting in several new kei car models beginning production in the following years. These included the 1955 [[Suzuki Suzulight]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suzuki Fronte, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Cervo, Suzuki Kei |url=https://mjs.home.xs4all.nl/suzukik.html |access-date=1 January 2019 |website=www.xs4all.nl}}</ref> and the 1958 [[Subaru 360]] (considered the first truly mass-produced kei cars),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kei Jidosha! - Official Autorec Blog |url=http://blog.autorec.co.jp/2015/10/kei-jidosha.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030033338/http://blog.autorec.co.jp/2015/10/kei-jidosha.html |archive-date=30 October 2015 |access-date=7 November 2015}}</ref> which were finally able to fill people's need for basic transportation without being too severely compromised. In 1955, the Japanese [[Ministry of International Trade and Industry]] (MITI) also set forth goals to develop a "[[Compact car#1950s and 1960s|national car]]" that was larger than kei cars produced at the time. This goal influenced Japanese automobile manufacturers to determine how best to focus their product development efforts for kei cars or the larger "national" cars. The small exterior dimensions and engine displacement reflected the driving environment in Japan, with [[speed limits in Japan]] realistically not exceeding {{convert|40|km/h|mi/h|1|abbr=on}} in urban areas. Kei cars were not allowed to be driven any faster than 40&nbsp;km/h until the mid-1960s, when the kei speed limit was increased to {{convert|60|km/h|mi/h|1|abbr=on}}. The early vehicles were comparable to the European [[Microcar|'bubble-cars']] of the era.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

In 1968, with the introduction of the [[Honda N360]], the domestic market for kei passenger cars began to grow rapidly. Before the model was launched on March 6, 1968, the monthly kei passenger car market consisted of less than 10,000 cars. This had swelled to 16,000 cars by March 1968 and over 18,000 by May. In May 1968, the 5570th N360 was registered, making it the market leader.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://global.honda/en/heritage/episodes/1967n360.html |title=Introducing N360 / 1967 |accessdate=March 30, 2025 |website=[[Honda]]}}</ref> Most kei cars registered were still in the commercial class, however.

The class then went through a period of ever increasing sophistication,<ref name="microcars">[[#micro|Rees]], p. 78</ref> with an automatic transmission appearing in the Honda N360 in August 1968, and front [[disc brake]]s becoming available on a number of sporting kei cars, beginning with the [[Honda Z]] GS of January 1971.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://global.honda/jp/news/1971/4710120.html |title=HONDA Z GS発売 |date=January 20, 1971 |accessdate=March 30, 2025 |website=[[Honda]]}}</ref><ref>''[[#NKmem|Nippon Kei Car Memorial]]'', p. 79</ref> Power outputs also kept climbing, reaching a peak with the {{convert|40|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} [[Daihatsu Fellow Max]] SS of July 1970.<ref>''[[#NKmem|Nippon Kei Car Memorial]]'', p. 75</ref> Sales increased steadily, reaching a peak of 750,000 in 1970.

Until 31 December 1974, kei cars used smaller [[Vehicle registration plates of Japan|license plates]] than regular cars, at {{convert|230|x|125|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}. From 1975, they received medium-sized standard plates, which are {{convert|330|x|165|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}. To set them apart from regular passenger cars, the plates were now yellow and black rather than white and green.

=== 550 cc era (1976–1990) ===
[[File:Daihatsu Hijet S40 Van.jpg|thumb|right|[[Daihatsu Hijet#Fourth generation (S38/S40)|Daihatsu Hijet (S40)]]]]
Throughout the 1970s, the government kept whittling away at the benefits offered to kei vehicles, which combined with ever stricter emissions standards to lower sales drastically through the first half of the decade.<ref name="microcars" /> Previously exempt, mandatory annual inspections for kei cars were added in 1973 and put an additional damper on sales.<ref name=DeAg73.3>{{citation | title = 週刊 日本の名車 | trans-title = Famous Japanese Cars Weekly | publisher = K.K. DeAgostini Japan | location = Tokyo | editor-first = Kazuyo | editor-last = Ogawara | volume = 73 | page = 3 | date = 2015-06-16 }}</ref> [[Honda]] and [[Mazda]] withdrew from the shrinking passenger kei car market in 1974 and 1976, respectively, although they both maintained a limited offering of commercial vehicles. Sales had been steadily declining, reaching a low of 150,000 passenger cars in 1975, 80% less than 1970 sales.<ref name="WC77j">{{Citation |last=Yamaguchi |first=Jack K. |title=The Year of the Third Power |work=World Cars 1977 |page=56 |year=1977 |place=Pelham, NY |publisher=The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books |isbn=0-910714-09-6}}</ref>

[[Vehicle emissions control|Emissions laws]] were another problem for the kei car industry in the mid-1970s. From 1973 to 1978, emissions standards were to be tightened in four steps.<ref name="WC79j">{{Cite journal |last=Yamaguchi |first=Jack K. |year=1979 |editor-last=Lösch |editor-first=Annamaria |title=The Year of Uncertainty? |journal=World Cars 1979 |location=Pelham, NY |publisher=The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books |page=61 |isbn=0-910714-11-8}}</ref> Meeting the stricter standards, which were to be introduced in 1975, would be problematic for manufacturers of kei cars. This was particularly hard for [[Daihatsu]] and [[Suzuki]], which focused on two-stroke engines, and especially Suzuki, a relatively small company whose entire lineup consisted of two-stroke kei cars.<ref name="WC76">{{Citation |last=Yamaguchi |first=Jack K. |title=Japan: Reluctant Number One |work=World Cars 1976 |page=56 |year=1976 |place=Bronxville, NY |publisher=L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books |isbn=0-910714-08-8}}</ref> Daihatsu, though, had both the engineering backing and powerful connections of their owner, [[Toyota]], to aid them in meeting the new requirements. All manufacturers of kei cars were clamoring for increased engine displacement and vehicle size limits, claiming that the emissions standards could not be met with a functional 360-cc engine. In the end, the Japanese legislature relented, increasing the overall length and width restrictions by {{convert|200|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|100|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, respectively. Engine size was increased to 550&nbsp;cc,<!-- conversion already in table above --> taking effect from 1 January 1976.<ref name="WC76" /> The new standards were announced on 26 August 1975, leaving very little time for manufacturers to revise their designs to take advantage of the new limits.<ref>''[[#NKmem|Nippon Kei Car Memorial]]'', p. 91</ref>

Most manufacturers were somewhat surprised by the decision; having expected a {{convert|500|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} limit, they had already developed new engines to fit such restrictions. These new engines were quickly introduced, usually mounted within widened bodies of existing models.<ref name="WC77j" /> These interim versions, with displacements ranging between 443 and 490&nbsp;cc, were "feelers", developed to see if a continued market existed for the kei car.<ref name="WC77j" /> As sales improved, these engines only lasted for a model year or so until manufacturers had the time to develop maximum-sized engines. Only Daihatsu had a 550&nbsp;cc engine ready and thus avoided developing transitional engines that did not immediately take full advantage of the new regulations. Kei car sales remained stagnant, however; while combined passenger and commercial kei car sales reached 700,000 for the first time since 1974,<ref name="WC79j" /> the small cars still lost market share in a quickly growing market.

As the kei cars became larger and more powerful, another benefit appeared as exports increased considerably. In particular, export sales of kei trucks increased, while kei passenger car exports increased at a lower rate. In 1976, the number of exported kei cars and trucks combined was 74,633 (up 171% year-on-year), despite exports of passenger kei cars decreasing.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=10 October 1978 |title=Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book, Volume 25 |journal=自動車ガイドブック |trans-journal=Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book|language=ja |location=Japan |publisher=[[Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association]] |volume=25 |page=334 |id=0053-780025-3400 |ref=JAMA25}}</ref> In 1980, another record year occurred as exports grew by 80.3% (to 94,301 units), of which 77.6% were microtrucks.<ref name="Nikkei_19810224p7">{{Cite journal |date=24 February 1981 |title=Midget car exports in 1980 hit record |journal=[[Nihon Keizai Shimbun]] |location=Tokyo |page=7}}</ref> Nearly 17% of exports went to Europe, dwarfed by [[Chile]], which took nearly a quarter of the exported kei vehicles.<ref name="Nikkei_19810224p7" />

Due to the difficult economic environment, low-priced cars sold well at the turn of the decade; 1981 marked another successful year as Japanese kei car sales reached their highest since 1970 (at 1,229,809 units for cars and trucks).<ref>{{Cite journal |date=19 January 1982 |title=Midget car sales swell 21% |journal=[[Nihon Keizai Shimbun]] |location=Tokyo |page=7}}</ref> This was also thanks to a new phenomenon: To help boost their sales, Suzuki developed a new car which could be sold as a commercial vehicle although it was really intended for private use, thus avoiding the 15.5% [[excise tax]]. Efficient, bare bones design meant that the resulting [[Suzuki Alto]] was considerably cheaper than any of its competitors, and it set the tone for kei cars for the entire 1980s. Until the excise tax was abolished in 1989, light commercials like the Alto and its competitors nearly completely supplanted the passenger car versions.<ref name=DeAg73.3/>

As the 1980s progressed, kei cars became increasingly refined, losing their utilitarian origins, as Japanese customers became ever better off. Features such as [[electric window]]s, turbochargers, [[four-wheel drive]], and [[Automotive air conditioning|air conditioning]] became available on kei-car models. Conversely, van versions of kei hatchbacks were now marketed to non-business customers to take advantage of even lower taxation and more lenient emissions rules; this move in the market was spearheaded by Suzuki with their 1979 [[Suzuki Alto|Alto]], and competitors soon followed suit, with the [[Subaru Rex#K24|Subaru Family Rex]] and the [[Daihatsu Mira]] appearing within a year's time.<ref>{{Citation |last=Yamaguchi |first=Jack K. |title=Consummation of the Turbulent Decade |work=World Cars 1980 |pages=66–67 |year=1980 |editor-last=Lösch |editor-first=Annamaria |place=Pelham, New York |publisher=L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books |isbn=0-910714-12-6}}</ref>

In the 1980s, the speed limit for kei cars was {{convert|80|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}. Government rules also mandated a warning chime to alert the driver if this speed was exceeded.<ref name="CD1186a" />

=== 660 cc era (1990–2014) ===
[[File:Smart K 002.JPG|thumb|[[Smart Fortwo#Models|Smart K]] ]]
The kei car regulations were revised in March 1990, allowing engines a displacement increase of {{cvt|110|cc|cuin|1}}, or twenty percent, while the maximum length was increased by {{convert|100|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}. These changes occurred during the 1990s [[Japanese asset price bubble|Japanese economic bubble]], and all manufacturers quickly developed new models to suit. Within five months, all major kei models had switched from 550&nbsp;cc to 660&nbsp;cc engines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goo-net カタログ: 三菱 ミニカ(MINICA)のグレード一覧: 1990年8月 |trans-title=Goo-net Catalog: Mitsubishi Minica, 1990.08 |url=http://www.goo-net.com/catalog/MITSUBISHI/MINICA/index.html#199008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419094950/https://www.goo-net.com/catalog/MITSUBISHI/MINICA/#199008 |archive-date=19 April 2020 |publisher=Goo-net |language=ja}}</ref><!-- conversion already in table above -->

For the first time, a [[Horsepower|power]] limit of {{cvt|64|PS|kW hp|0}} was also applied in addition to the limit on engine size, in response to the ever-increasing power outputs available with turbocharging and multivalve technologies popularized in the late 1980s. Engine technology was also shared with [[sport bike|sports bike]]s, which are designed more for rider enjoyment and less so for fuel economy, going against the idea of small people's cars and putting the kei cars' tax and structural advantages at risk of a governmental backlash. This power limit matched the highest output reached by any kei manufacturer at the time and was a [[gentlemen's agreement]] amongst the manufacturers in an effort to avoid a kei-class horsepower war. The only kei car to have exceeded this limit is the [[Caterham 7]] 160, a lightweight British sports car that was not expected to qualify as a kei car, though it is small enough (in dimensions and displacement) to fit the regulations. Its engine is rated at {{cvt|80|PS|kW hp|0}}—since that is how the car is [[Homologation|homologated]] in the United Kingdom, Japanese authorities told the importer that its power should remain unchanged.<ref name="BS17">{{Cite web |last=Schmitt |first=Bertel |date=17 January 2017 |title=Japan Hands British Caterham Unfair Advantage: 'Sorry, Suzuki, Daihatsu And Honda.' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bertelschmitt/2017/01/17/japan-hands-british-caterham-unfair-advantage-sorry-suzuki-daihatsu-and-honda/#124d9f77707a |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112033630/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bertelschmitt/2017/01/17/japan-hands-british-caterham-unfair-advantage-sorry-suzuki-daihatsu-and-honda/?sh=63e6ce77707a |archive-date=12 November 2020 |website=Forbes}}</ref> The [[Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association]] also self-imposes a speed limit of {{convert|140|km/h|0|abbr=on}} for kei cars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=藤田竜太 (Ryuta Fujita) |date=25 September 2017 |title=法的な義務はなし！ 軽140km/h・普通車は180km/hのリミッター速度はどう決められたのか |trans-title=No legal obligations! How were the speed limiters of 140&nbsp;km/h for kei cars and 180&nbsp;km/h for ordinary cars selected? |url=https://www.webcartop.jp/2017/09/156006/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109105537/https://www.webcartop.jp/2017/09/156006/ |archive-date=9 November 2020 |website=Web Cartop |publisher=Kotsu Times Sha Co., Ltd. |language=ja}}</ref>

Kei cars were rather unsafe in accidents, and as a response, the Ministry of Transport decided to increase the standards. New kei cars would have to pass additional tests, including a head-on collision at {{cvt|50|km/h|mph|0}} and a side impact test.<ref name=AT99>{{citation | title = 間違いだらけのクルマ選び ’99年版: 全車種徹底批評 | trans-title = Mistakes in Choosing Cars, '99 Edition: A Thorough Review of All Car Types | language = ja | date = December 1998 | isbn = 978-4794208583 | page = 210 | first = Tokudaiji | last = Aritsune }}</ref> To enable manufacturers to fit additional reinforcements and crumple zones, the maximum overall length and widths were both increased by {{cvt|100|mm|in|1}}. The new rules went into effect on 1 October 1998 and all manufacturers introduced revised lineups to meet the new requirements. This was the largest, simultaneous introductions of new models in Japanese automotive history.<ref name=AT99/>

In a rare example of an overseas mass-produced model being sold as a kei car in Japan, a kei version of the [[Smart Fortwo]] (called the [[Smart Fortwo#Models|Smart K]]) was sold in Japan by [[Yanase (car dealership)|Yanase]] from 2001 to 2004. The Smart K used revised rear fenders and reduced tire dimensions and track width to conform to kei regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 37th Tokyo Motor Show |url=http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/show/2003/eng/PUBLIC/boothguide/Smart.html |access-date=11 November 2011 |publisher=Japan Automobile Manufactures Association}}</ref> The model was not a success, and sold the fewest examples of a kei car when it was marketed.<ref name="nytimes" />

The [[Suzuki Wagon R]] was the best-selling kei car in Japan between calendar years 1996 and 2011, except in 2003, when the [[Daihatsu Move]] outsold the Wagon R.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ダイハツ悲願達成、スズキ『ワゴンR』を抜いて8年ぶりトップ |url=https://response.jp/article/2004/01/08/56818.html |access-date=2021-05-24 |website=Response Automotive Media |date=8 January 2004 |language=ja}} <!-- 1996 to 2003 --></ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2010年の軽自動車販売ランキング…ワゴンR が7年連続トップ|url=https://response.jp/article/2011/01/11/150225.html|access-date=2021-05-24|website=レスポンス（Response.jp）|date=11 January 2011 |language=ja}} <!-- 2004 to 2010 --></ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=軽自動車販売で ワゴンR が首位、ダイハツは総力戦…2011年車名別ランキング |url=https://response.jp/article/2012/01/11/168155.html |access-date=2021-05-24 |website=Response Automotive Media |date=11 January 2012 |language=ja}} <!-- 2011 --></ref> Starting in 2011, Toyota entered the kei car market for the first time. The resulting Toyota Pixis Space, a rebadged [[Daihatsu Move#Daihatsu Move Conte|Daihatsu Move Conte]], was expected to increase competition in that market.<ref name="JT">{{Cite web |date=27 September 2011 |title=Toyota adds first minicar to Japan lineup |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/toyota-adds-first-tiny-minicar-to-japan-lineup |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920031206/https://japantoday.com/category/business/toyota-adds-first-tiny-minicar-to-japan-lineup |archive-date=20 September 2020 |website=japantoday.com}}</ref> [[Nissan]] and [[Mitsubishi]] began to jointly produce the [[Mitsubishi eK]] (also sold as the Nissan Dayz and formerly the Nissan Otti). Honda's kei car lineup—the [[Honda N-One|N-one]], [[Honda N-Box#Second generation (2017-present)|N-Box]], and [[Honda N-WGN|N-WGN]]—accounts for around a quarter of its overall sales.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=== Reduced incentives (2014–present) ===
[[File:Subaru CHIFFON CUSTOM R SmartAssist (6BA-LA660F).jpg|thumb|[[Subaru Chiffon]]]]
In April 2014, the Japanese government significantly reduced advantages for kei car owners, imposing a higher sales tax, a higher gasoline tax, and a higher kei car tax, the last of which was raised by 50 percent—greatly reducing tax benefits compared to regular-sized cars.<ref name="NYTsquelch" />

Daihatsu, Honda, Suzuki and Nissan-Mitsubishi (through the [[NMKV]] joint venture) are currently the only mass-production manufacturers of kei cars. Mazda sells rebadged Suzuki models, Toyota and [[Subaru]] sell badge-engineered Daihatsu models, and Nissan-Mitsubishi sources their commercial kei models from Suzuki.
{{clear}}

== Electric kei cars ==
[[File:2024 Nissan Sakura G.jpg|thumb|[[Nissan Sakura]]]]
The electric version of the [[Mitsubishi i]], the [[Mitsubishi i-MiEV]] was the first electric kei car. This was launched for fleet purchasers in 2009 in the [[Japanese domestic market]]. It became available to the wider public as well as the global market in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2010 |title=Mitsubishi Motors lowers price of electric i-MiEV |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/mitsubishi-motors-idUSTOE62T09V20100330 |access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> The i-MiEV uses a {{convert|63|hp|kW|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[permanent-magnet synchronous motor]] powered by a 16&nbsp;kWh [[Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion]] battery pack.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Mitsubishi Motors to bring new-generation EV i-MiEV to market |date=5 June 2009 |publisher=Mitsubishi Motor |url=https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/publish/pressrelease_en/products/2009/news/detail1940.html |access-date=3 June 2022}}</ref> It can charge overnight in 14 hours from home 100-volt mains, or in 30 minutes from quick-charging stations installed at fleet locations. Its range is {{convert|100|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} as tested by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|US EPA]], and {{convert|160|km|mi|abbr=on}} as tested by the Japanese Transport Ministry. It was the world's first mass-produced electric car, and the first electric car to sell more than 10,000 units.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mitsubishi Firsts |url=http://evworld.com/focus.cfm?cid=267 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324075414/http://evworld.com/focus.cfm?cid=267 |archive-date=24 March 2015 |access-date=1 January 2019 |website=www.evworld.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mitsubishi Recalls 2009–2014 i-Miev Electric Cars for Faulty Brake Vacuum Pump |author-first1=Nikki|author-last1=Gordon-Bloomfield|date=15 October 2014|url=https://transportevolved.com/2014/10/15/mitsubishi-recalls-2009-2014-miev-electric-cars-faulty-vacuum-pump-assist/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320083023/http://transportevolved.com/2014/10/15/mitsubishi-recalls-2009-2014-miev-electric-cars-faulty-vacuum-pump-assist/ |archive-date=20 March 2016 |access-date=1 January 2019 |website=transportevolved.com}}</ref><ref name="TTACkilling" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 February 2013 |title=Best-selling electric car |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-10000/best-selling-electric-car/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216050030/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-10000/best-selling-electric-car/ |archive-date=16 February 2013 |access-date=2 July 2022 |website=archive.ph}}</ref>

[[Rebadging|Rebadged]] and slightly updated variants of the i-MiEV were also sold in Europe as the [[Peugeot]] iOn and [[Citroën C-Zero]]. In 2011, Mitsubishi launched the MINICAB-MiEV; a battery electric version of the [[Mitsubishi Minicab|Minicab]] microvan, borrowing the drivetrain and key components from the i-MiEV.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mitsubishi Motors TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2011 |url=https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/discoveries/motorshow/2011/tms2011/lineup/minicab-miev.html |access-date=2 July 2022 |website=www.mitsubishi-motors.com |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321162942/https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/discoveries/motorshow/2011/tms2011/lineup/minicab-miev.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2012 |title=2011 Mitsubishi MINICAB MiEV Van @ Top Speed |url=https://www.topspeed.com/trucks/truck-reviews/mitsubishi/2011-mitsubishi-minicab-miev-van-ar131865.html |access-date=2 July 2022 |website=Top Speed |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> As of March 2015, over 50,000 units across all variants (including the two minicab versions sold in Japan) have been sold worldwide since 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2015 |title=Mitsubishi Firsts – EVWORLD.COM |url=http://evworld.com/focus.cfm?cid=267 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324075414/http://evworld.com/focus.cfm?cid=267 |archive-date=24 March 2015 |access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref> Production of the i-MiEV was discontinued in 2021.

In May 2022, [[NMKV]] launched the Nissan-badged [[Nissan Sakura|Sakura]] and the Mitsubishi-badged [[Mitsubishi eK X EV|eK X EV]] in the [[Japanese domestic market]]. These models have a 20 kWh [[Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion]] battery pack with an estimated [[Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure|WLTC]] range of {{convert|180|km|mi|abbr=on}}. Both use a single electric motor with a maximum output of {{cvt|47|kW|hp PS|0|abbr=on}}. The eK X EV is a [[Battery electric vehicle|battery-electric]] version of the Mitsubishi eK X, and the Sakura is an update to Nissan's Dayz line. The two are eligible for EV purchase incentives in Japan, and as of June 2022, are also the cheapest new [[Battery electric vehicle|BEVs]] from a major Japanese manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 May 2022 |title=新型日産サクラ登場──本格的な軽電気自動車がついに出た！ |url=https://www.gqjapan.jp/cars/article/20220520-nissan-sakura-news |access-date=2 July 2022 |website=GQ JAPAN |language=ja-JP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=有 |first=伊藤 |date=20 May 2022 |title=日産の新型 電気軽自動車｢サクラ｣最速試乗…｢軽｣ばなれしたパワーに驚く（動画アリ） |url=https://www.businessinsider.jp/post-254357 |access-date=2 July 2022 |website=BUSINESS INSIDER JAPAN |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 May 2022 |title=走りはまるで高級車。静かでスムーズな加速の軽EV、日産SAKURA（サクラ） |url=https://clicccar.com/2022/05/20/1187537/ |access-date=2 July 2022 |website=clicccar.com |language=ja}}</ref>

In September 2025, [[Honda]] has started selling the [[Honda N-One#e|N-One e:]] with an estimated WLTC range of {{convert|295|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite press release |date=2025-09-11 |title=新型軽乗用EV「N-ONE e:」を発売 |trans-title=New mini-electric vehicle "N-ONE e:" launched |url=https://global.honda/jp/news/2025/4250911-n-one-e.html |publisher=Honda |location=Japan |access-date=2025-09-11 |language=Japanese}}</ref>

In October 2025, [[BYD Auto|BYD]] introduced the [[BYD Racco|Racco]], the first dedicated electric kei car from a non-Japanese maker.

== Taxation and insurance ==
The vehicle excise tax levy is 2% of the purchase price, compared to 3% for a regular car.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=syXRBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA153 |title=Consumption Tax Trends 2014 VAT/GST and excise rates, trends and policy issues: VAT/GST and excise rates, trends and policy issues |publisher=OECD |year=2014 |isbn=9789264223943 |page=153}}</ref> A 24-month insurance contract typically costs ¥18,980 at the time of registration versus ¥22,470 for a larger car.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

An automobile weight tax also is levied: The amount is ¥13,200 and ¥8,800 for a three- and two-year period, respectively, as compared to the ¥18,900 and ¥12,600 charged for larger-sized passenger cars. The savings are thus more than 30% in both cases. This weight tax is paid after the vehicle has passed its [[Motor-vehicle inspection (Japan)|safety inspection]]. The required [[Road tax#Japan|road tax]] is based on the engine's displacement.

== Best-selling models ==
{{Main|Automotive industry in Japan#Kei cars sales rank {{!}}Automotive industry in Japan}}

== Gallery ==
;360 cc era
<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Subaru360-1.jpg|[[Subaru 360]]<br />(1958–1970)
File:Mazda-r360-coupe01.jpg|[[Mazda R360]]<br />(1960–1969)
File:1972 Daihatsu Fellow Max Hardtop TL.jpg|[[Daihatsu Fellow]]<br />(1970–1976)
File:HondaN360.JPG|[[Honda N360]]<br />(1967–1972)
File:HondaLifeStepvan.JPG|[[Honda Life#Life Step Van|Honda Life Step Van]]<br />(1972–1974)
File:Suzuki Fronte Coupe 001.JPG|[[Suzuki Fronte#Fronte Coupé|Suzuki Fronte Coupé]] <br /> (1971–1976)
</gallery>

;550 cc era
<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Daihatsu-Mira1st.JPG|[[Daihatsu Mira]]<br />(1980–2018)
File:Mitsubishi minica h21a lettuce 1 f.jpg|[[Mitsubishi Minica]]<br />(1962–2011)
File:1979 Suzuki Cervo CX-G.jpg|[[Suzuki Cervo]] (exported as the Suzuki SC100)<br />(1977–1982)
File:Subaru Sambar 401.JPG|[[Subaru Sambar]]<br />(1961–present)
</gallery>

;Kei sports cars
<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:MAZDA AZ-1.JPG|[[Autozam AZ-1]] <br /> (1992–1994)
File:HondaBeat.JPG|[[Honda Beat]] <br /> (1991–1996)
File:SuzukiCappuccino.jpg|[[Suzuki Cappuccino]] <br /> (1991–1998)
File:1994 Subaru Vivio T-Top 660.jpg|[[Subaru Vivio]] T-top , T-top GX-T<br /> (1993–1994)
File:2015_Honda_S660.jpg|[[Honda S660]] <br /> (2015–2022)
File:Daihatsu Copen 003.JPG|[[Daihatsu Copen]] <br /> (2002–2012, 2014–present)
File:2024 Caterham Seven 170S.jpg|[[Caterham 7]] 170
</gallery>

;Kei off-road cars
<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:Blue Suzuki Jimny XC (3BA-JB64W-JXCR-J) front.jpg|[[Suzuki Jimny]] <br /> (1970–present)
File:Mitsubishi PAJERO MINI Limited (ABA-H53A) front.jpg|[[Mitsubishi Pajero Mini]] <br /> (1994–2012)
File:Daihatsu Terios Kid.jpg|[[Daihatsu Terios Kid]] <br /> (1998–2012)
</gallery>

;Present
<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:Honda N-One (first) in Lunar Silver Metallic, front right.jpg|[[Honda N-One]]
File:Mitsubishi eK X space T 2WD (4AA-B35A-HXTTZ) front.jpg|[[Mitsubishi eK]] X space
File:Suzuki WagonR HYBRID FX MH55S.jpg|[[Suzuki Wagon R]]
File:2019 Nissan Dayz X.jpg|[[Nissan Dayz]]
File:Mazda CAROL GX (DBA-HB36S) front.jpg|[[Mazda Carol]]
File:Toyota PIXIS JOY F G Turbo"SA II" (DBA-LA250A-GBVZ) front.jpg|[[Toyota Pixis Joy]]
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Kei truck]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book |last=Rees |first=Chris |title=Microcar Mania |publisher=Bookmarque Publishing |year=1995 |isbn=1-870519-18-3 |location=Minster Lovell & New Yatt, Oxfordshire, UK |ref=micro}}
* {{Cite book |title=360cc: Nippon 軽自動車 Memorial 1950→1975 |trans-title=Nippon Kei Car Memorial 1950–1975 |location=Tokyo |publisher=Yaesu Publishing |year=2007 |isbn=978-4-86144-083-0 |oclc=675044530 |language=ja |ref=NKmem}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category inline|Kei cars}}

{{Automobile configuration}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kei cars| ]]
[[Category:1949 introductions]]
[[Category:Car classifications]]
[[Category:Road transport in Japan]]