I won’t talk about my recent Japanese journey for too long, but some things are too interesting to forget. Besides the thrilling story of Sumitomo that I discovered last month at the Osaka Museum of History, I now have to share my experience at the Nissan Gallery in Yokohama. Located on the first floor of the Japanese giant’s headquarters, you can see not only the current production models but also those that have marked its history over the past century. With a few exceptions, I’m sure you’ve never seen anything like it!
When will kei-cars come to us?
One of the first things that shocked me as a Canadian is undoubtedly the number of models that were completely new to me. Indeed, among the vehicles on display, there were a good number of kei-jidousha, or kei-cars, a category particularly popular in the land of the rising sun but practically unknown here in North America. The expression can be translated as "light vehicle" or "compact car," but the segment has a particular style that could be described as "angular." The Nissan Sakura, Roox, and Dayz, for example, all have a square, even cubical look, to maximize cargo and interior space.
Is it because of this rather particular silhouette that they have not yet found their place in our market? Perhaps, but it is undoubtedly also partly due to their reduced length, which makes the experience uncomfortable when you are taller than average. I still saw vehicles that were very familiar to me like the Ariya, Leaf, or Kicks, but it was undoubtedly the Nissan Elgrand that surprised me the most. Combining the size of an SUV with the look of a Japanese kei-car, I admit that I would love to see this vehicle on our roads.
English tires on Japanese cars?
Contrary to what one might have believed, most of the gallery’s vehicles did not have Japanese tires, let alone Yokohama tires! Instead, the English manufacturer Dunlop supplies the original tires for most Nissan models. The impressive sports car Fairlady Z, for instance, is equipped with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, known for their incredible handling and stunning performance on all types of roads.
Also noteworthy on the floor were many unusual vehicles, such as two Serena (another model exclusive to the country) adapted for transporting people with reduced mobility. On the historical side, you can also find a 1937 Datsun Phaeton and a 1984 Prairie JW-G, reminding us that the company's success has endured for a long time. All in all, if you ever go to Yokohama, I highly recommend to visit the Nissan Gallery!
