Why the Japanese Kei Car Went Viral in America

Japanese Kei cars are weird. Not only are Japanese Kei cars an American Invention, but they are also the darling child of social media. While Americans have been buying Japanese Kei cars for years, Japanese Kei cars became a viral sensation only recently. So why would Japanese Kei cars become a viral sensation on social media only now?
In this video I explain the odd evolution of Japanese Kei cars and why Americans suddenly love them.
Watch my video on why SUVs are not safe: • Why You Should Not Buy...
Want to support the channel?
Go to my Patreon: / nicomotor
Enjoy this kind of content? Then subscribe and turn on notifications!
I post short but sweet summary videos on complex topics every week!
Follow me on social media!
/ nicomotor.official
/ nicomotor4real
Nicomotor is your one stop shop for entertaining, educational content on all things within the automotive industry and all things related to the automotive industry.
I am an avid car enthusiast looking to share my passion with everyone and give outsiders a clear understanding of all the latest news in the automotive industry. Along the way I will make a lot dumb jokes or sarcastic comments so follow along and enjoy the ride, for this is KZbin's most limited edition automotive channel.
Here are my sources:
[kei car history and regulations]
(www.thestartin...)
(en.wikipedia.o...)
(www.motortrend...)
(unece.org/DAM/...)
(www.statista.c...)
(www.statista.c...)
(www.nytimes.co...)
(www.statista.c...)
[Japan tax changes for kei cars]
(jalopnik.com/c...)
(www.angloinfo....)
(www.flsenate.g...)
(www.roadandtra...)
(carfromjapan.c...)
(www.carscoops....)
[Japan post war recovery]
(www.jica.go.jp...)
[Kei car importation process]
(jalopnik.com/h...)
(jalopnik.com/h...)
[car sales figures]
(www.prnewswire...)
(www.statista.c...)
(www.statista.c...)
(www.statista.c...)

[@yinyangsaladgang8789]

Your title and wording make it sound like the US was directly responsible for the kei concept, but their existence stems from the 1951 Road and Vehicle Act in Japan. The first kei car was only sold in 1955 with the release of the Suzuki Suzulight, which was 3 years after the allies stopped administrating the Japanese government.

[@Sol_Creations06]

WASNT THE SUBARU 360 THE FIRST ONE, I CANT TURN OFF CAPSLOCK SO DONT TAKE IT PERSONALLY

[@dlmurray55]

Nc here so we are driving these around because people want affordable trucks so they can afford to have a family car on the side. Most families that want a truck only need them sometimes and these little mini trucks really do the job without breaking the bank and they're cute!

[@djsangre]

Even here in Europe we non longer have an offer of small city cars (A segment) because for manufacturers to develop a small or a big car is basically the same cost, but with a larger car they have more revenues. Their answer is B suv...larger outside, smaller inside, with a worst driving dynamic. Fitted with always shaking downsized 3 cylinder engines 1.5 L with the daring task to carry around 2 ton cars. Yes, for emissions, to save the planet they say. But in the end you have to dump those engines after what, 100k km? No comment...

[@baronvonjo1929]

It's incredibly expensive to make a car. More so than ever. Many automakers are some of the most indebted companies in the world. Many of their markets are actually shrinking as growth forever was never a options. More and more people have less interest I'm cars and less money to buy them. There are less people being born in many matured markets as well like Europe. Their Golden Goose, China, is starting to buy Chinese brands instead of western brands. Also the transition into EVs is very costly. And now seems to be slowing down sales wise. Governments demand EVs but consumers are slow to adopt thus putting them in a further expensive situation. They have to cut costs. Their profits are going in the gutter. They have decided it's better to sell fewer more expensive cars rather than more cheaper cars. I guess its the only way to make money to please shareholders. Point is automakers need to focus on nothing but profits as many of them are fighting for basic survival. Cheap cars don't bring in the money. And to be fair many people really want CUVs. The collapse of small car sales isnt the complete fault of automakers. I personally see the value on a tad more ground clearance. I'm not going offroading, but many small cars like sedans and hatchbacks aren't designed for many roads anymore. Older versions had proportions almost like SUVs. Now they are low and slammed to the ground making them highly impractical.

[@austinvargas2909]

Keep it up king

[@grandrapids57]

excellent job again

[@nicomotor]

Thank you!

[@jamesengland7461]

Flu at an antivaxxer convention? Wow that's a stupid statement.

[@leonthompson5885]

You must be 8 years old because that is abouts how old social media is .

[@kennyj204]

Little Person

[@nicomotor]

yeah I'm definitely getting cancelled for using the term "midget"