Behind the Rise of Kei Vehicles: Understanding the Texas Law The rise of kei vehicles in the United States can be attributed to a unique combination of factors, including the passage of the Texas law that allowed for the importation and registration of these tiny cars.
The history of kei vehicles in Japan dates back to the 1940s, when they were created as a response to post war fuel shortages.
The Japanese government established a category of small vehicles known as "kei" (meaning "lightweight"), which were designed to be affordable, fuel efficient, and easy to maintain.