Local business selling ‘Mini Trucks’

Canadian MiniTrucks, a division of Pro-Shine located in the west end of Fort Frances, is importing and now selling a unique type of vehicle—MiniTrucks.
Imported for Japan, these previously-driven Japanese MiniTrucks (Kei Trucks) are a combination of an ATV, econo-car, and a small pick-up truck all in one, according to owner Chad Jackson.
“MiniTrucks are absolutely the most fun a person can have without getting wet,” he enthused. “They’re different and very practical.”
Recently road legal, MiniTrucks can be licensed in three different ways—for the highway, as an ATV, and as a farm implement. Jackson indicated the cost of insuring a MiniTruck is similar to a small pick-up truck.
“And if you just need basic transportation, they’re easy on fuel,” he added, citing they get 45-55 miles per gallon.
MiniTrucks also can be customized and accessorized like other vehicles.
“There are endless options from paint jobs, decaling, life kits, tinting, tires, and wheels to camouflage kits, snowplows, and hitches,” Jackson indicated, adding the trucks only come in white but can be painted to a customer’s liking.
And while Jackson views the unique vehicles as practical and useful, he knows people also will like them “just for fun.”
“They’re cheaper than a four-wheeler,” he stressed, noting the vehicles start at $6,000 and people can get just about anything they want for under $10,000 total.
The standard MiniTruck includes a 660 cc engine, four-wheel drive, four-speed standard transmission, right-hand drive, 700-1,000 pound carrying capacity, and box sides that drop or remove.
They currently are available in the following makes: Suzuki, Honda, Mitsubushi, Daihatsu (Toyota), Subaru, and Mazda.
MiniTrucks were first brought to Jackson’s attention by a customer who bought one and wanted some work done on it. He did a lot of research on the vehicles and got his first shipment in January.
Employees at the local business have been getting to know the trucks for the past few months.
“We’ve done our research on them and all parts are readily available in North America. We’ll make sure we take care of our customers,” Jackson pledged.
He explained the Japanese are exporting MiniTrucks because over there, vehicle owners are charged 10 times as much for registration as the vehicle gets older.
So, it’s cheaper for them to buy a new truck rather than keep an older one.
And Jackson indicated people should not be wary of the steering wheel being on the opposite side.
“After 15 minutes of driving, you don’t even notice it anymore,” he said.
“And it’s completely legal. They’re awesome for driving around in,” he added. “They’re very stable and you can park almost anywhere.”