In what is surely great news for both automotive stylists and the engineers responsible for fuel economy, Japan has approved cars being built with no side view mirrors. Now even though plenty of people don't use them anyway the best way to look behind you won't go away entirely. Mirrors will be replaced with cameras and video displays.
The problem with mirrors is that in order to be effective they have to be large and stick out from the vehicle. This is bad for styling and cabin wind noise, but it's also horrible for aerodynamics. Especially on large trucks where the massive mirrors are a significant contributor to drag. Allowing the switch to cameras means that there is no more large object sticking out into the air disrupting the flow.
The side bonus is that the cameras can be positioned almost anywhere, not just in the traditional A-pillar. This allows for better fields of vision and the possibility of more views than before. Newer Honda Civic and Accord models already have an available camera in the passenger side mirror, and the feature allows for a much smaller blind spot compared to the mirror alone.
Japan was the first to allow the change, but it's expected that the EU will follow this year, and the US possible in 2018. When they change, Canadian regulations will likely adapt to the new ways as well.
