What is a Kei car and are these Japanese motors sold in the UK? [Video]

KEI cars came about through necessity, but have grown to dominate the Japanese marketplace.

Here we take a look at what they are and whether you can get one in the UK.

Originating from the Japanese word ‘keijidosha’, meaning ‘light automobile’ or ‘compact automobile’, kei (pronounced ‘kay’) cars have been highly successful in Japan for decades, and now account for over a third of the nation’s car market.

The idea of a tiny car came about just after World War II, when resources were massively depleted — especially the steel and petrol used up by tanks, planes, munitions and artillery.

Japan was devastated after the war, its economy in tatters, causing low incomes and widespread poverty, and people just couldn’t afford regular personal automobiles.

In the early 1950s, the kei car concept took off as a form of practical and affordable transport, both for private and commercial usage.

These models have government-regulated size …