Rural Americans are importing tiny Japanese Kei trucks

“Kei” trucks are small four-wheel drive pickup trucks mostly made in Japan that are usually right-hand drive. They usually have 660 cc or less which makes them more fuel efficient than large American trucks. They were never intended for sale in the United States but they now have a growing cult like following because they have proven to be exceptionally useful. The trucks are easy to modify and repair because they lack onboard computers and complicated proprietary parts.
In Japan, they are often used for light duty tasks like transporting goods or equipment over short distances. They are perfect for both urban Japan where there are narrow streets and tight parking spaces, as well as the rural areas where they are used for farming and forestry.
Kei trucks lack airbags and other safety features that would be required in new cars. They are imported under a rule that allows non-compliant vehicles that are 25 years or older to be imported. This was originally intended for collectible vintage cars.
One car importer in New York has sold over 300 of these trucks to local businesses. In northern Wisconsin and Minnesota you may see Kei trucks outfitted with tracks to drive on winter ice.

Works Cited:
https://www.economist.com/united-states/2023/04/20/rural-americans-are-importing-tiny-japanese-pickup-trucks