Past and Contemporary Trends of Commercial Vehicles in Japan as Viewed by Fleet Owner

The paper concerns the development of motor truck transportation in Japan from its inception to the present day. Factors influencing the development of such transportation, including an initial lack of gasoline and the uses of substitutional fuels, the popularization of diesel engine trucks, the necessity to conserve fuel, geographical considerations, changes in the construction of trucks to lower costs and maximize efficiency, and the necessity for special-purpose trucks are discussed in detail. Predictions of future trends and a consideration of ways in which motor transportation will be combined with other modes of transport are also offered.