Gasoline demand in Japan drops for first time in 32 years

[daveleeprius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jhinton @ Feb 12 2007, 04:40 PM) [snapback]389110[/snapback]</div>

You should also know that in Japan the highest speed limit is 100 kph. It is quite easy to use a small engine and change the gearing to allow for acceleration and a overdrive gear for cruising at 100 kph.
[/b]

Most of these cars are only used for around town errands, you won't see them on the expressways. These cars are easily spotted as they all have yellow license plates, they are known as mini cars in Japan, and are inexpensive to buy and own compared to full size cars. They are also known as death traps pretty much!

In Japan the most popular recent car is the Honda Fit, which is a good size car in Japan, bigger than the mini cars. Here in the US when I see a Fit on the road I think how small it looks!

Dave

[ken1784]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Feb 13 2007, 07:06 AM) [snapback]389128[/snapback]</div>

They are also known as death traps pretty much!
[/b]

This is not true any more.
We do have the Crash Safety Regulations for K-cars(mini) too.
http://www.daihatsu.co.jp/tech/taf/index.htm
http://www.daihatsu.co.jp/tech/sofi/index.htm

In Japan the most popular recent car is the Honda Fit, which is a good size car in Japan, bigger than the mini cars.
[/b]

That's old news in 2002.

The recent sales history is...
2003
Toyota Corolla 198,904
Honda Fit 182,285

2004
Toyota Corolla 173,301
Honda Fit 149,503

2005
Toyota Corolla 149,810
Toyota Vitz(Yaris) 131,935
Honda Fit 125,894

2006
Toyota Corolla 143,176
Toyota Vitz(Yaris) 117,641
Honda Fit 101,793

Ken@Japan

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Feb 12 2007, 02:06 PM) [snapback]389128[/snapback]</div>

Most of these cars are only used for around town errands, you won't see them on the expressways. These cars are easily spotted as they all have yellow license plates, they are known as mini cars in Japan, and are inexpensive to buy and own compared to full size cars. They are also known as death traps pretty much!

In Japan the most popular recent car is the Honda Fit, which is a good size car in Japan, bigger than the mini cars. Here in the US when I see a Fit on the road I think how small it looks!

Dave
[/b]

Yep, the Fit is tiny! But it's pretty damn big on the inside. It feels downright spacious for a car of this size!

The Prius looks like a full size car parked next to the Fit