The United States may file a fresh complaint with the Office of Trade and Investment Ombudsman of Japan as early as next month regarding motorcycle regulations that it says hamper sales of imported vehicles, a U.S. government official said July 22.
Headed by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, the ombudsman office, known as the OTO, is a governmental body that mediates grievances over trade matters. The petition would include requests to abolish such regulations as the ban on tandem riding on expressways and the 80 kph speed limit for motorcycles. The speed limit on expressways for four-wheel vehicles, excluding large trucks and minicars, is 100 kph.
"These restrictions are eliminating the ability of the U.S. motorcycle industry to sell their products freely," the U.S. official said. He said it is still not clear whether the grievance will be filed by the U.S. Embassy or the local affiliate of Harley Davidson, the only major U.S. motorcycle manufacturer, or some other sources.
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