President Donald Trump has found a new love for tiny kei trucks from Japan. During a recent briefing with reporters to discuss his plan to relax fuel economy standards, Trump expressed his admiration for the small vehicles, calling them “very small” and “really cute.” He even compared them to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.
Kei vehicles, designed to comply with Japan’s light vehicle regulations, are gaining popularity in the automotive market, including in the US. Sales of kei trucks have tripled in the last five years, with approximately 7,500 imported last year alone, according to data from Japan Used Motor Vehicle cited by CNN.
In a surprising move, Trump announced that he was authorizing the US Department of Transportation to approve the production of these cars immediately. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the regulations had been cleared to allow companies like Toyota to manufacture smaller, more affordable, and fuel-efficient cars in America.
While the specific authorization given by Trump to Duffy was not disclosed, it’s clear that the regulations surrounding kei vehicles in the US are not well-defined. Federal rules permit the import of mini trucks that are at least 25 years old, but state laws regarding their legality and registration on roads remain ambiguous. Additionally, these vehicles must adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, covering aspects such as steering wheel placement and vehicle weight.
Despite the potential regulatory hurdles, some states have provisions for low-speed vehicles like golf carts, which could possibly allow kei trucks to operate under those guidelines. However, the question remains whether these small vehicles would appeal to the majority of American consumers, given their strict limitations on engine size and power.
The primary objective of the briefing was to announce the rollback of stringent fuel efficiency rules implemented by the previous administration. While Trump aims to make cars more affordable, experts warn that any savings from lower-priced vehicles may be offset by increased fuel expenses in the long run.
