Suzuki Cv-1

This cute little car is responsible for a change in the law.

This cute little car has a law change on its conscience. In the mid 1970s, demand in Japan rises for a car that is ultra economical, as small as possible, easy to operate, light in weight and low priced. With a 50 cc engine, automatic transmission, a plastic body weighing only 145 kilograms and a length of 1.9 meters, the Suzuki CV-1 (Community Vehicle) meets these criteria. The car is presented in 1981. Because the Suzuki CV-1 may be driven with a moped license, many mopeds and light motorcycles are converted into three and four wheelers and sold at rock bottom prices, mainly to seniors. The number of these vehicles grows explosively, which in 1984 is reason to amend the Japanese road traffic law. The rules are tightened; among other things, from then on a car driving license is required to drive these vehicles. The Suzuki CV-1 is ready for sale in 1985. By then, however, the market has changed and there is less demand for this type of car. It remains limited to a few hundred units.