A major Japanese taxi operator has launched the country's first gas-powered minivehicle taxis in southwestern Japan after the government fully removed restrictions on such taxis last month.Daiichi Koutsu Sangyo Co. aims to use the smaller, easier-to-drive vehicles to attract more drivers and provide rides for shopping and hospital visits in areas with limited transport options.The first two mini taxis started operating on Friday in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the company plans to introduce them in 16 more prefectures by around this summer."We can reliably pick up customers right in …READ FULL ARTICLE