These tiny Japanese pick-up trucks that cost about $5,000 are winning fans in America

A new type of Japanese vehicle is gaining popularity among some Americans - these are small trucks known as Kei trucks. They are roughly 11 feet long and are usually restricted to a speed of only 25 miles an hour. Interestingly, they are quite affordable, with some models costing just $5,000. According to Japan Car Direct, these vehicles are finding a new market among certain buyers, particularly farmers.

An item is currently being loaded.

We appreciate you for registering!

Get a customized feed of your preferred subjects to browse while you're out and about.

Small houses aren't the only things that are gaining popularity in America, small trucks produced in Japan are also making a hit.

Small trucks, known as Kei trucks, are typically around 11 feet in length and under seven feet in height. These trucks originally derived from three-wheeled vehicles that were created from motorcycle bases following World War II.

According to Wikipedia, a number of manufacturers including Daihatsu Hijet, Subaru Sambar, Suzuki Carry, Mitsubishi Minicab, and Honda Acty produced them.

Small trucks can easily be spotted on the streets of Japan, and they have also gained popularity among Americans who seek a multi-purpose, small-sized, and economical automobile.

Japan Car Direct is one of the organizations that are bringing them into the United States.

According to statements made by Matt Matusiak to Insider, the corporation transports a variety of automobiles to the United States, such as Toyotas made in the 1990s, dated Suzuki lorries, and minor Nissan recreational vehicles.

However, he mentioned that the Kei trucks were definitely the most popular item bought and that they made up around one-third of their total sales.

Japan Car Direct offers the most affordable Kei truck starting from a price of around $5,000, where a significant portion of the expense covers the fees for shipping.

For the last seven years, our sales have grown every year and a significant part of it is thanks to Kei vehicles, according to Matusiak. Kei vehicles are the most sought-after on our website, which drives a large number of visitors to us.

A lot of the people who purchase from him have ranches or farms, however he mentions that Kei trucks are also popular among surfers and hunters who need a small vehicle to transport their surfboards or animals.

"Get Your Kei Truck: A Beginner's Guide"

There are a number of businesses in Japan that send small trucks overseas, including Japan Car Direct.

Nonetheless, there are specific limitations that purchasers of Kei trucks should acknowledge when purchasing in the United States. Particularly, newer models encounter particular constraints from the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency.

Kei trucks usually have a maximum speed of 25 mph, which can vary depending on the state. For instance, in Pennsylvania, they are required to be registered as off-road vehicles. In California, the strict environmental regulations make it challenging to utilize a Kei truck, as stated by Matusiak.

According to him, automobiles older than 25 years don't have to follow any regulations and typically make up the majority of vehicles brought into the United States.

Japan Car Direct and its rivals will guide their clients on the process of importing, which involves accomplishing multiple documents.

Nevertheless, Matusiak admitted that purchasing a car from a foreign country without physically examining it still entails a level of trust. "It's definitely a lot to comprehend," he said.

If you have a Kei truck, you can contact this journalist by emailing [email protected] or sending a direct message via Twitter to @RyanAHogg.