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Tiny Toyota Truck Coming to American Roads
Newser • • business
Key Points:
- Toyota will revive its Scion brand next year to introduce the Scion Kei-01, a small pickup truck inspired by Japan's Kei trucks and classified as a low-speed vehicle in the US, with a top speed of 25 mph.
- The Kei-01 will be manufactured in Indiana, feature right-hand drive, a three-cylinder engine, and is targeted at businesses, farms, campuses, and hobbyists rather than regular commuters.
- Measuring about 11 feet long and capable of hauling up to 600 pounds, the truck offers a three-way folding bed, extended cab, and raised roofline, making it smaller than a Mini Cooper.
- This move positions Toyota in the niche market of small, affordable utility vehicles, competing with models like Fiat's Topolino and upcoming electric trucks from Slate, TELO, and Ford.
- Toyota aims to capitalize on growing US interest in Kei trucks, which have garnered attention from figures like former President Trump, who praised their design during a visit to Japan.
