"Japan is filled with tiny white trucks that farmers and commercial workers use to lug their gear along the narrow roads of a nation smaller than California. But Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had another, more substantial truck in mind as she looked to build rapport with visiting U.S. President Donald Trump. Takaichi, who wants to improve economic ties with Washington and cement a strong relationship with Trump, placed an enormous American Ford F-150 truck,"
"The trucks may be too big for Japanese roads Japan is an island nation, smaller than California, and there is limited parking. Even in big cities, many of the streets where people live are narrow and twisting. Consumers seem to prefer compact or mini cars that can easily navigate the roads. Those who can afford more expensive foreign cars tend to go for compact or medium-size vehicles from Europe, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen and Audi."
Sanae Takaichi displayed an American Ford F-150 and U.S.-made Japanese cars at the Akasaka Palace courtyard to strengthen ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and promote economic relations. Trump favors the Ford F-150 and has complained about the scarcity of American cars in Japan and strict vehicle safety standards. Practical factors limit American vehicle presence: narrow, twisting streets, limited parking, and consumer preference for compact or mini cars. Wealthier buyers often choose European compact or mid-size brands. Additional obstacles include left-hand steering on many American models, lower mileage, and limited maintenance and service networks for U.S. brands.
Read at Fortune
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