Importing a Japanese Kei Truck to the UK
Kei trucks — Japan's iconic 660cc mini trucks — are one of the most cost-effective workhorses a UK small business, farm, or estate can buy. Here's why they punch far above their weight, and exactly how we import one for you.
What is a Kei truck?
"Kei" (軽) means "light" in Japanese. Kei trucks are a class of mini truck built to strict Japanese regulations: 3.4m long, 1.48m wide, and powered by a 660cc engine capped at 64hp. Popular models include the Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar and Mitsubishi Minicab. Despite the tiny footprint, most can carry 350–500kg and tow a small trailer.
Why UK small businesses love them
- Cost-effective: Well-maintained JDM Kei trucks land in the UK for a fraction of the cost of a new commercial van.
- Legendary reliability: Simple, over-engineered Japanese drivetrains routinely pass 200,000km with basic servicing.
- Fuel efficient: 45–55mpg is normal — a big saving over full-size UK vans on short daily routes.
- Compact & agile: Sub-1.5m width gets down farm tracks, alleyways, and pedestrian zones larger vans can't touch.
- 4WD available: Most Kei trucks are offered with switchable 4WD and low-range — perfect for farms, estates, groundskeeping, and off-road sites.
- Tipper & specialist bodies: Factory tipper, refrigerated, dump, and crane variants are widely available.
Common UK use cases
We regularly import Kei trucks for farmers, landscapers, tree surgeons, campsites, golf courses, holiday parks, film crews, and last-mile urban delivery operators. Anywhere you need a rugged, cheap-to-run pickup that can squeeze through tight spaces, a Kei truck earns its keep.
UK import & registration requirements
Kei trucks over 10 years old can be imported into the UK under the standard used vehicle import route. We handle the full process end-to-end:
- Source the truck at Japanese auction to your spec (age, mileage, drivetrain, body).
- Pre-shipping inspection and de-registration in Japan.
- Ocean freight to a UK port (typically Southampton or Bristol).
- UK customs clearance, VAT and duty paid on your behalf.
- IVA / MOT preparation, DVLA registration, UK number plates.
- Delivery to your address in Rochdale or anywhere in the UK.
How much does a Kei truck cost imported?
Landed UK prices depend on model, year, mileage, and drivetrain — but most well-kept 4WD Kei trucks come in well under the price of an equivalent-age European small van, with far lower running costs.
Every AA UK Motors import comes with
- 6-month mechanical warranty
- Full UK registration and number plates
- Fresh MOT
- Delivery to your door
Ready to import your Kei truck?
Tell us the model, year range, and drivetrain you want. We'll source it from Japanese auction and deliver it UK-registered to your door.