Kei car

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Kei car, short for kei-jidōsha (軽自動車 pronounced [keːdʑidoːɕa] "light automobile"), is a class of ultra-compact cars unique to the Japanese domestic market, and is the smallest category of expressway-legal motor vehicles in Japan. Other than passenger cars, Japanese automakers also make microvans and kei trucks within this legal category. 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 3.4 m (11.2 ft), width of 1.48 m (4 ft 10.3 in), height under 2.0 m (6 ft 6.7 in), and engine displacement under 660 cc (40.3 cu in). A "gentleman's agreement" between Japanese automakers and lawmakers also set a maximum power output of 64 PS (63 hp; 47 kW). With restricted dimensions and engine specifications, kei car owners enjoy lower tax and vehicle insurance rates, leading to a lower...

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