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The Suzulight was one of the
pioneers in practical, lightweight cars. Based on the Lloyd models of Germany,
it was equipped with the same front wheel drive system with two-stroke cycle engine.
The Suzulight was one of the first cars in Japan to have a front wheel drive system.
This lightweight SL model was a commercial version with a large rear door, giving
it ample space. |
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Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.,
originally an airplane manufacturer, built the Subaru 360, the first successful
lightweight automobile in Japan. It had a monocoque body with a torsion bar spring
for suspension and provided exceptional space for a compact car as well as a very
comfortable ride. Aside from its initial price of ¥425,000, it completely
fulfilled the concept of a domestically produced family car and proved to be very
popular. |
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In 1960, following the lead
of Suzulight and Subaru, Toyo Kogyo Company, today's Mazda Motor Co., entered
the lightweight car market with its release of the R360 model. Its mechanism attracted
attention. It was a lightweight car equipped with a four-stroke engine and a two-speed
automatic transmission, which resembled the features of sportier cars. It was
produced until 1966, when the Carol made its debut. |
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Toyota based its Toyota
Publica model on the concept of a domestically produced family car. This
car was aimed at the general public with its sensible design and practical
styling. However, its simplicity and economical design strayed from the
market trends of upgrading to the luxury car. Consumers chose the name
Publica as a combination of public and car. |
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Under the guidelines proposed
by Mitsubishi for a domestically produced family car, New Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Co., today’s Mitsubishi Motors., released the Mitsubishi 500. It made its
debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1959 and was considered a bargain for its class
at ¥390,000. In addition to its low price, it satisfied the guidelines of
the domestically produced family car. To cut costs, its interior was stripped
and accessories were kept to a minimum. At the same time, simple mechanisms were
given first priority to maximize economy and efficiency. The vehicle on display
was added in August 1961 as a super deluxe model that featured enhanced performance
and improved features. |
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