Read the rich heritage of Hokkaido’s premier automobile manufacturer.
Kimura Motors was founded by Kesago Kimura as Hokkaido Motor Company. A developing brand in a collapsed post-war Sapporo, Japan, Kimura began its life building affordable cars that everyone could enjoy. The Type-1 was conceptualized in 1949 and was an immediate hit. Clever packaging in a small space for a low price ignited the company’s reputation for small, fun, reliable cars. In 1954, Kimura introduced the K1200-C, which would be their second car. With a peppy 1.2L Inline-4, the K1200-C established Kimura as a serious contender in the small sports car field.
The longest continuously running Kimura nameplate came with the company’s name change in 1964 - the internationally lauded Kimura Auburn became an iconic vehicle throughout the company’s history and remains the best selling Kimura to date. Its release upheld Kimura’s profits and lineup all the way up until the release of the Silesta of 1977 and the Auriga in 1979. A purebred sports car which spiritually replaced the K-C lineup, the Silesta was a major player in the sports car field. Taking after the advancements of the Auburn and its success in North America, the Auriga utilized a stretched wheelbase and a unique body style along with more premium interior trimmings. It too was an instant favorite when it hit US shores - combined, the two new cars doubled Kimura’s annual production and catalyzed Kimura’s subsequent growth period of the 1980s.
Filling in the truck field in export countries, the Kimura KT-U truck series released in 1981 and was produced up until its replacement in 2003. Along with the 1986 Avina subcompact, Kimura began their “Phase 2” expansion plan; with a focus on the North American and European market from the years 1989 to 1992, 6 all-new Kimura models were released (Hana, Devorak, Helruna, Cavatina, Arctos, and Akitos). To maintain production schedules, 2 European plants, a US-based Tennessee factory, and another Japanese factory were constructed over the 10-year period.
Utility vehicles headlined Kimura’s expansion period. The Devorak was the all-terrain SUV based on the KT-U platform with seating for the entire family. Stylish and packed with tech, the Arctos had a versatile and highly flexible interior which popularized the segment around the world. The official branch of Kimura’s racing division KR/R (Kimura Racing/Ralliart) was established in 1989 after having been a separate entity for 30 years.
Kimura unveiled the 1989 Helruna at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was shown to have taken spiritual influence from the now legendary K-C series and created as an attainable successor to the TKR-C of 1986. With Kimura’s first mass-production turbocharged inline-4, long wheelbase design, and stiff chassis engineering, it gained traction as a staple in Japan’s tuner car culture. The pop of the 1993 Bubble Economy led to some hardship within the company, which did not introduce a new model nameplate until 2001 Cavatina.
The 2000s was an era of great prosperity for Kimura. With sales in over 150 countries, a lineup of over 10 cars (and over 15 in Japan), it showed no signs of stopping. A Y2K brand relaunch in 2000 ushered in a new era for the company, shedding their value-option reputation to become a truly unique player in the automotive field. Notable models include the 2004 Cavatina, opting to become Kimura’s first crossover SUV with experimental design that defined Kimura models for the rest of the decade.
What holds for us in 2020 and beyond? Kimura continues innovate daily. Kimura introduced the Asura in 2012; an F1 inspired machine with a bespoke V10 and tenacious handling. In 2019, the very first all-electric mass production Kimura - the Akegata - arrived in dealerships, signaling a new era for Kimura’s future. Contemporary Kimura vehicles represent the pinnacle of dynamics, comfort, and innovation. Satisfaction is guaranteed with the purchase of any Kimura.
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