[raananh]

The attached article talks about the tiny Fiat Topolino car coming to the USA soon because of changes to USA laws to allow slow-speed "Kei cars" in certain streets.

"Kei car" is a Japanese term for a smaller than usual car that you can drive legally in certain lower-speed streets... also lower taxes on the car, so a cheap car.

In the USA, check the news from the last week, there's a push to allow the "Kei car" concept in the USA.

I think this is a great idea. I do not need to explain how that will benefit retirees, especially in the villages.

What do you think? The Kei car is the size of a golf cart, and can be even smaller.

Note: I am not trying to promote Fiat. I have no connections to Fiat.

Stellantis to bring Fiat Topolino EV to U.S. after Trump’s “kei-car” praise

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by raananh

The attached article talks about the tiny Fiat Topolino car coming to the USA soon because of changes to USA laws to allow slow-speed "Kei cars" in certain streets.

"Kei car" is a Japanese term for a smaller than usual car that you can drive legally in certain lower-speed streets... also lower taxes on the car, so a cheap car.

In the USA, check the news from the last week, there's a push to allow the "Kei car" concept in the USA.

I think this is a great idea. I do not need to explain how that will benefit retirees, especially in the villages.

What do you think? The Kei car is the size of a golf cart, and can be even smaller.

Note: I am not trying to promote Fiat. I have no connections to Fiat.

Stellantis to bring Fiat Topolino EV to U.S. after Trump’s “kei-car” praise

The Kei cars can go up to 87mph. They aren't comparable to a golf cart at all, they wouldn't be allowed on golf cart paths or MMPs. The lower taxes are specific to Japan, where they're manufactured and where their primary customer base is.

In addition, there would be a 15% tariff imposed since they're imported from Japan. There's also a 2.5% import tax, plus shipping, plus customs brokerage, and port fees.

Insurance on Japanese cars tends to be higher due to unfamiliar specifications and potential difficulties in sourcing replacement parts. I imagine getting servicing at all would be pretty hard - you aren't likely to ever see dozens of dealerships for these kinds of cars, because they -can- go fast enough to drive on a highway, but likely would never be allowed on one.

[Methos]

When are the Chinese cars going to be allowed to be imported? Even with high tarrifs, they will be cheaper and allow for lower income people to own a car of their own.

[MorTech]

Or Malaysia Proton....$8500. I have that much into my golf cart!
I drive them when I am in KL.

Proton Saga Price - Harga Bulanan & Promosi [Online Booking]

There are still USA safety standards.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Methos

When are the Chinese cars going to be allowed to be imported? Even with high tarrifs, they will be cheaper and allow for lower income people to own a car of their own.

So are bicycles.

[Battlebasset]

From the article:

The Fiat EV has a top speed of roughly 28 miles per hour and a driving range of up to 75 kilometers (less than 50 miles) on a single charge.

In Europe, the Topolino costs the equivalent of $11,500 (9,900 euros) without incentives—but there’s been no word on how much the vehicle would cost in the U.S.

So essentially a LSV (Low Speed Vehicle) which we already have in the form of Atomic and other golf carts. Not sure why this is anything new.

[Normal]

Originally Posted by raananh

The attached article talks about the tiny Fiat Topolino car coming to the USA soon because of changes to USA laws to allow slow-speed "Kei cars" in certain streets.

"Kei car" is a Japanese term for a smaller than usual car that you can drive legally in certain lower-speed streets... also lower taxes on the car, so a cheap car.

In the USA, check the news from the last week, there's a push to allow the "Kei car" concept in the USA.

I think this is a great idea. I do not need to explain how that will benefit retirees, especially in the villages.

What do you think? The Kei car is the size of a golf cart, and can be even smaller.

Note: I am not trying to promote Fiat. I have no connections to Fiat.

Stellantis to bring Fiat Topolino EV to U.S. after Trump’s “kei-car” praise

“… roughly 28 miles per hour and a driving range of up to 75 kilometers (less than 50 miles) on a single charge.”

It wouldn’t even be able to drive from one end of The Villages and back. Would anyone risk driving it from Eastport to Mulberry and back?

[MorTech]

Fun Fact: Chrysler owned GEM golf cars which they sold to Polaris. Maybe Stellantis can buy GEM back instead of importing their Fix It Again Tony mobile.

[Danube]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

The Kei cars can go up to 87mph. They aren't comparable to a golf cart at all, they wouldn't be allowed on golf cart paths or MMPs. The lower taxes are specific to Japan, where they're manufactured and where their primary customer base is.

In addition, there would be a 15% tariff imposed since they're imported from Japan. There's also a 2.5% import tax, plus shipping, plus customs brokerage, and port fees.

Insurance on Japanese cars tends to be higher due to unfamiliar specifications and potential difficulties in sourcing replacement parts. I imagine getting servicing at all would be pretty hard - you aren't likely to ever see dozens of dealerships for these kinds of cars, because they -can- go fast enough to drive on a highway, but likely would never be allowed on one.

Fiat Topolino is Italian, made in friendly Morocco, a country in north Africa. Not Japanese. People in most of the rest of the world have been free to buy these type of small cars for a long time.

Insurance on Japaneese Toyotas and Nissans is more expensive and parts are hard to get?

[gorillarick]

Yes, kei cars are full-speed cars in Japan. Maybe not the top speed of other cars, but can go way over the speed limits nationwide.
On 2-lane highways and toll roads in Japan, I've been passed by as many kei cars as any other cars.

Yearly taxes are roughly 1/4 of regular cars. Low purchase cost, less footprint (parking issues), lower yearly taxes and insurance are their attraction. Very popular with young drivers in suburban areas (as cheap used cars), and when people retire.
Pretty sensible to me.
I have no issue renting one when I have the choice.
But, it is much safer driving in Japan: almost zero tolerance for drinking and zero drugs (.02 vs .08 alcohol), no right on red (actually left on red), people stop at STOP signs, yes some speeding, but not nearly as stupidly as here (residential neighborhoods, roundabouts, crowded highways, , , )

[mschwartzeee]

1996 Honda Acty - 4wheel drive and 10,000 miles on the clock.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Insurance on Japanese cars tends to be higher due to unfamiliar specifications and potential difficulties in sourcing replacement parts.

Honda and Toyota say "Hello".

[Fastskiguy]

Why can't Fiat make an attractive car?

Joe

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by mschwartzeee

1996 Honda Acty - 4wheel drive and 10,000 miles on the clock.

I was passed by something similar to this vehicle on 466a, sounded a lot like a motorcycle with a loud muffler, I was going between 45 and 50, it had a Florida plate on it.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by gorillarick

Yes, kei cars are full-speed cars in Japan. Maybe not the top speed of other cars, but can go way over the speed limits nationwide.
On 2-lane highways and toll roads in Japan, I've been passed by as many kei cars as any other cars.

Yearly taxes are roughly 1/4 of regular cars. Low purchase cost, less footprint (parking issues), lower yearly taxes and insurance are their attraction. Very popular with young drivers in suburban areas (as cheap used cars), and when people retire.
Pretty sensible to me.
I have no issue renting one when I have the choice.
But, it is much safer driving in Japan: almost zero tolerance for drinking and zero drugs (.02 vs .08 alcohol), no right on red (actually left on red), people stop at STOP signs, yes some speeding, but not nearly as stupidly as here (residential neighborhoods, roundabouts, crowded highways, , , )

Curious, how well do kei vehicles survive crashes with semis or dump trucks? A friend wants to know...