The original March (chassis name K10) was introduced onto the Japanese market in October 1982 as a challenger to the Honda City, Daihatsu Charade, Suzuki Cultus, and Toyota Starlet. It was intended to replace the Nissan Cherry as the company's competitor in the supermini sector, as the Cherry model had progressively become larger with each successive generation. In Japan, it was exclusive to Nissan Cherry store locations, benefiting from engineering contributions from Nissan's 1966 acquisition of the Prince Motor Company, who originally developed the outgoing Cherry. The car was sold as the Micra in Europe; it had particularly low fuel consumption made possible by a specially developed engine only used in the March/Micra, uncommonly high gearing and a particularly low weight of 630 kg (1,389 lb) in early European trim.[2] The low weight target necessitated a minimum of insulation, meaning that early Micras were quite loud.[3] Japanese owners benefitted from an engine below 1000 cc when it came time to pay the annual road tax obligation.