If there's one type of vehicle that's used around the world, it is a truck. However, the trucks used in some parts of the world are distinctly different. The trucks Paul Mitchell of Mitchells 4x4 Mini Trucks in Neudorf sells are a bit smaller than the ones most people are used to.
The trucks themselves come from Japan, designed to cope with a uniquely Japanese problem. Given the distinct lack of space in Japan, categories of cars were created, with smaller models being easier to buy and cheaper to tax. In the kei-class, as it's known, vehicles are limited to 660cc engines and must be under 11 ft. long. In their country of origin, the trucks are popular as delivery vehicles and as small runabouts.
While our country does not have the same tax laws or size problems, the virtues of the trucks still translate. Mitchell says that they are simply a good, small utility vehicle, cheap to run and cheap to buy. He compares them to a utility vehicle like a Gator, and notes that his trucks are often cheaper to buy and run.
The business began because Mitchell wanted one of the trucks for himself, but was not able to get one.
"I looked to source one for myself, coming from England we use them in England. I wanted something that was cheap to run and economical. I looked within Canada and I couldn't find a suitable vehicle, so I decided to import them direct from Japan."
Because of the nature of Canadian import laws, all of the trucks are over 15 years old. The trucks are sourced in Japan through a broker, and the vehicles selected are shipped here when Mitchell has seven trucks to ship over at once. He says that he aims to find trucks that were low mileage and well maintained, so there are no surprises for people once they arrive.
The vehicles themselves are also road legal throughout the country, and can reach 100 km/h. They are also right hand drive, though Mitchell does not view this as a safety concern, since you are unlikely to need to see around vehicles to pass.
"The only thing is the vehicles are not a speed machine, so you are not going that fast... The only things I generally pass are tractors or slow moving vehicles."
Mitchell is also willing to modify the trucks sold for a variety of uses, and can install things such as heavy duty tracks to specialize them for a customer's use. The trucks have been used in places such as parks and the oil fields, Mitchell notes, and they ensure that the trucks do what the customer wants.
"Everyone wants different things for different jobs, and we outfit them for the jobs that are needed. We put tracks on them for extreme conditions."
While there are a wide variety of wonderful and odd vehicles in Japan, Mitchell specializes in mini trucks because he knows them well and it makes it easier to keep parts in stock and people happy. He also notes that the trucks have been manufactured for a long time, so parts are easy to come by.
People interested in learning more can visit the website at www.mitchells4x4minitrucks.com, call 728-5614 or email enquiries@mitchells4x4 minitrucks.com.
