Do "Kei" Cars have a Place in a $3.00+ per gallon America?

[Ming]

The Other GM Brands: Alliance Partners Suzuki & Subaru
Do "Kei" Cars have a Place in a $3.00+ per Gallon America?
By Ming
www.gminsidenews.com
8/21/05

When my local gasoline station put up the numbers "$3.00" for Premium, I knew I wanted a change. I want something that gets better than an average of 17-22 miles per gallon offered by my Safari van (on a good day) and Bonneville SSEi (on a bad day). My job requires a long and rather boring commute - no room for speed freak antics - so when I go to trade in my Bonneville SSEi, I'm not going to be buying a gas guzzler or even a moderate gas drinker.

Though I will happily keep my 2004 Safari (my 2000 Bonneville is approaching retirement) and use it for all of the utility and power it offers, it isn't something I want to drive back and forth to work in. I suppose what I want is a fuel efficient, fun, affordable little car. But who says saving gas (and money) needs to mean a stripper, rental grade Focus or Aveo? Or must require a pricey hybrid system?

The answer I think is in small, nimble, fun to drive yet well designed and well-equipped cars like the 28/36 mpg MINI. But I say why not take that concept one step smaller (and cheaper)?

Maybe I'm more open to the idea because I lived in Japan for 10 years. But I wouldn't mind having the option, at least, of buying something like what is known there as a Kei car. Not a plastic fantastic lawnmower special, but one of the nicer ones with the navigation systems, nice looking interiors and turbocharged engines that still manages fantastic fuel savings.

With the recent news that Honda's Fit and possibly a Mazda and Nissan subcompact from Japan will join the battle to take sales from the Aveo, it seems more likely that we will see other automakers throw their own fuel-efficient minicars into the mix.

Suzuki has long puzzled me with their lack of very small cars offered in the US market. As the king of minicar sales in Japan, with a focus on them, they strangely offer a somewhat poor selection of fuel efficient cars and engines in the U.S., and instead offer small, truckish SUVs and the more powerful than fuel efficient compact Aerio. Subaru also has its share of small cars in Japan, and both Automakers have some cars that while small, are not nearly at the level of smallness seen in the DCX Smart cars.

The cars Suzuki and Subaru sell in Japan that make the maximum use of space, engine displacement, and utility for their size are called "Kei" cars. What is a "Kei" Car you ask? It is explained perfectly here: http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Keicar

Kei-Cars, or keijidōsha, are small passenger cars as well as trucks. They are mainly sold in Japan, because there are some tax and insurance relaxations and an exemption from the usual requirement of certification of park space that one has adequate parking space at his or her home or has contract with a parking spot.

These relatively relaxed standards came from the post-World War II days when most Japanese were too poor to buy a full sized car, yet had more than enough money to buy a motorcycle. To promote the growth of car industry as well as to offer an alternative delivery method to small business and shop owners, Keicar standards were created. In Japan, the cars feature yellow licence plates, earning them the name "yellow-plate cars" in English-speaking circles (black numbers on yellow ground for private use and yellow numbers on black ground for commercial use). The keicar field is very competitive, so that manufacturers are in a constant race to provide better performance, utility, and fun within the keicar regulations, driving the pace of technological innovation, which then spreads to the rest of their automobile line. As a result, keicars are available with turbo-charged engines, automatic transmission, continuously variable transmission, 4-Wheel-Drive, Hybrid Gasoline-Electric engines, air condition systems as well as car navigation systems.

Many will say that such small cars aren't safe, or cannot pass safety standards imposed by the US government. On the first charge, Kei size cars do have a much stronger focus on safety these days. Crashworthiness test results and safety awards are often cited for Kei cars within Japan as a selling point.

And the ultimate counterpoint to this argument is to point at motorcycles. If someone can drive around on a cycle with no more protection than a helmet, how can a small car be rejected from the US market by the same regulators that allow motorcyclists to cruise freely?

The other argument is that the engines and cars themselves simply aren't suitable for speeds demanded on 70mph highways in the U.S. That may be so, but not everyone needs to drive on those kinds of roads on a day to day basis. My commute certainly doesn't require it. And the best of the turbocharged and supercharged Kei cars from Japan can hold their own with their low curb weights, even with their small engines.

Suzuki and Subaru have the potential to offer fuel efficient small cars to the U.S. market, just as Suzuki does with the Wagon R in the U.K.

It's my hope that either those who make the regulations or the carmakers will work towards establishing a "Ultra-Mini" compact car class in America that allows people to get around in the comfort of a car with motorcycle like fuel economy. If not for the Enviromentalists looking to save the world, then for regular people who are tired of paying big dollars just to drive to work day to day.

Take a breath and calm down before you knee-jerk react to this idea. It's an OPTION - no replacement in my mind for what a lot of us need (at least on the weekends!) - the power of a RWD sports car with a V8, or the utility of an SUV or full-sized Van.

If a motorcycle can be acceptable means of transportation, even glorified by some - why not ultra-small cars?

Here's what Suzuki and Subaru could offer - and perhaps even team up with GM to qualify and distribute in the US Market:

Suzuki MR Wagon Sport:


660cc 3 Cylinder, Intercooled, Turbocharged 12valve 64hp engine mated to a 4-speed automatic in FWD or "4WD" configurations. It comes with LED taillights, 6-speaker sound system, a column-mounted shifer for more interior/passenger room, and more. It gets a little over 40 miles per gallon (US) rated at Japan's 10-15 Mode standard. The MR Wagon Sport sells for a little over 10K US Dollars.

Dash: http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/4834/mrin16nu.jpg

In addition to the MR Wagon Sport, Suzuki sells many other small vehicles also with 660cc engines including:

Alto X


Lapin Mode


Wagon RR


Suzuki also has a new, somewhat larger hatch/wagon with a 1.3L Engine called the Solio which might be a better match for the U.S. Market:

Solio



More Suzuki Photos:

http://www.suzuki.co.jp/dom4/lineup/...ry/photo_4.jpg
http://www.suzuki.co.jp/dom4/lineup/...ry/photo_3.jpg
http://www.suzuki.co.jp/dom4/lineup/...ez/pho_b-b.jpg
http://www.suzuki.co.jp/dom4/lineup/...ez/pho_b-c.jpg
http://www.suzuki.co.jp/dom4/lineup/...otoph_ex03.jpg
http://www.suzuki.co.jp/dom4/lineup/.../image/ga3.jpg

---------

Subaru R2 Custom Type S:


660cc 16valve 4-cylinder DOHC Supercharged 64hp Engine mated to a 7-speed "Sport Shift" i-CVT transmission with a "Sport Mode" button available in 2WD or AWD configurations. It comes with 15 inch aluminum wheels, automatic air conditioning, HID headlamps, and more. It gets approximately 40-50 miles per gallon (US) rated at Japan's 10-15 Mode standard. The car itself weighs on average (between all trim levels) 1875 pounds. The base R2 sells at a little over 10K US Dollars maxing out to almost $15K fully optioned in AWD with the supercharger.


Beige: http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/136/r2utility6mx.jpg

In addition to the R2, Subaru sells a few other small vehicles with 660cc engines including:

Pleo L Type S


More Subaru Photos:

http://www.subaru.co.jp/r1/i/imgs/top.jpg
http://www.subaru.co.jp/sambar/diasw...1/photo_01.jpg
http://accessory.subaru.co.jp/r2/gal...s/in_img03.jpg

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Keep in mind in Japan, Kei cars have much lower taxation rates, but the cars have to be within a certain size limit, certain displacement (been at 660cc for the past few years) and horsepower (64 JIS net).

In the 1950's when the idea came around, the laws were for even smaller cars with 360cm3 motors, like the Subaru 360, which Malcolm Bricklin imported into the US for a spell in the 1960's.

I've been thinking this to be a good thing for a long time. Unlike the Smart, a Kei car has four seats and a bit of cargo space, and can hold it's own as a primary car even... Don't worry too much about speed, one of the boy-racer hotrod Kei cars can easily top 130km/h (80mi/h), while slow indeed, they are very fun around corners and in acceleration. The 64 JIS horsepower rating is just a rubber stamp, you see cars running with over 80 but by law they are "rated" at 64.

One issue will be size. These cars are rather small, and I am unsure how many normal North American guys like me (6' 2") will fit in one of those little ****************************s.

[triggerjerk]

I'd drive one during the week to work and what not as long as I could have my ls1 on the weekends.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Maybe you can rip out the front seats and sit in the back seat. That could theoretically work.

[Ming]

Originally Posted by Smaart Aas Saabr

One issue will be size. These cars are rather small, and I am unsure how many normal North American guys like me (6' 2") will fit in one of those little ****************************s.

I'm 6 foot and I fit in many of those being sold in the early to mid 1990's just fine (some were tight), like the Suzuki Wagon R which was one of the first true "tall wagons" I've ever seen.

[goblue]

I read this piece with an open mind, and the time may come for these vehicles - but its at $5.00 gas, not $3. In a few niche markets where speeds never exceed 30-40, sure - but even in cities, the vast majority of ameircans want something comfortable at 75.

Most importantly however is the safety issue. A great many Americans won't step foot on a motorcycle, and after seeing what happens to a guy with a pelvic fracture, I never will either. In Japan, Hummers are few, and Suburbans don't rule the road. Even a Cobalt against one of these would not work out for the Kei car.

I'm banking on alternative fuels to get us past this, and allow us to continue to drive comfortable vehicles at fast speeds. I personally am banking on plug in hybrids - vehicles that are absolutely perfect in the very same situation Ming proposes. Had GM refined, expanded and improved the EV1, getting 75 miles range on a 4 hr charge, and added a 1L turbodiesel to charge the batteries for extended range driving - we'd be laughing at the Prius right now - that is where I see the future for Americans.

Kei cars may have a place, in a few very large cities. Safer, more advanced versions of the Aveo definetely are coming. Thats as small as I see it going.

[Buick61]

I don't think the solution is more and more small cars with ever smaller engines.

It would be wiser to just make the existing engines more efficient. Look at the Suzuki Reno and Chevrolet Aveo, for their size and engine output, they should be A LOT more fuel efficient.

In a country where size = safety, Kei cars would be a tough sell. Mini Coopers sell on style and fun to drive attributes. Likely absent those qualities, I doubt micro cars would be able to sell in significant quantities. It's a small niche of the market.

[asim]

maybe we should all ride 21 spped bikies to work!!!

[Ming]

Originally Posted by asim

maybe we should all ride 21 spped bikies to work!!!

For me - A 2 hour bike in 90 degree heat and humidity that rivals a sauna? I don't think so.

[jro4566]

I actually like the fact that Kei cars could catch on in America. Believe it or not, many taxis in Japan use Kei cars for transporting people from the airport to their hotels; not only that, but they CAN keep up at 100km/h with 4 people inside with luggage with slight ease. I really was amazed our little Lapin SS could do that. Nevertheless, there's too many Suburbans running out there to make me find comfort in driving a Wagon R RR on Central Expressway during rush hour. However, I did like Suzuki's new Swift and was lucky enough to ride in one in Tokyo.

[Buick61]

I don't see the appeal of a car that can't handle highway duty. I'd argue that most of those people who would benefit most from this type of vehicle--city dwellers--would find it more economical to keep their regular car and just hop on public transit or walk. Buying a car with a singular capability has a limited appeal.

I'm in Philadelphia most of the week, and Long Island on most weekends. A 4,000lb V8 powered car doesn't seem like an ideal city car, but I don't drive it to work. I take the bus or walk. I haven't put gas in the car since July. It wouldn't make sense for me to buy a car that is good for city work and less than ideal for high-speed use. Most of those that live in a city use their cars (if they even have one) to leave the city. And that's usually via highway.

And I don't think commuters would value saving a few dollars a fillup over the safety of the vehicle their driving. Put up all the crash tests you like, a Kei vehicle has little chance against a Avalon, let alone a Tahoe.

[Cortazzo]

I don't know if american drivers are ready for cars that small unless they are little sporty toys like a mini or a roadster. But there is a lot of room to get people in large SUVs and pickups into car based vehicles like an HHR or an element or something useful but frugal as well.

Gas prices have really hit into my discretionary income, and my summer job is a 20mi commute each way. My Jimmy isn't particularly great with fuel at 20mpg hiway, and paying $40 to fill up when $20 did the trick just two years ago hurts. But I have a lot lot of downward room to go from my 4.3l v6. I've been considering moving back to a car, or a 2wd colorado with the 4cyl and 5-speed (hoping that the locking diff could handle moderate snowfall).

I wish that GM's small cars got the same rated MPG as cars like the civic and corolla, but having never owned a small car like that, i don't know if real world numbers differ by much. But perhaps offering lighter cars with the 1.8l ecotec wouldn't be a bad idea.

[mjd1001]

I don't know..I guess it can't hurt to have more offerings in the fuel efficient range...but if I was looking for a fuel efficient car by GM...I think I'd look at the Pontiac Vibe before this.

The gas mileage of the Vibe is close, and I think it looks a lot better, and can be had for under $20,000

[mjd1001]

On the other hand...GM as of late hasn't really offered a car for those looking for a "cute" car, like the new beetle, the mini, etc. Maybe one of these little things could fill that gap with some buyers.

[gmmerc5]

There are fuel efficient cars available in the US market, you just have to watch your lead foot, for example, I am getting 38 to 43 MPG in my 2003 VIBE, by up shifting before the needle hit the 2000 RPM, and driving 55 on the highway. Would you believed that I am getting 30 MPG in my 2002 Vette, on the highway doing 70 MPH, of course when the lead foot really pushing, the gas gauge going down real fast.