When American automakers expressed their opposition against Japan joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations due to its closed market, the U.S. makers also pressed Tokyo to end special tax treatment for the country's unique "kei" super-minivehicle segment.
The outside pressure to end the low taxation for one of Japan's most popular car segments has jolted the industry, which has protected the smaller end of the domestic car market for half a century.
Some industry observers point out that reviewing the tax rules for the super-mini segment would hit Japanese automakers hard. But others say a review would be a good thing because kei cars have received favorable treatment for too long.