AI Image
Toyota set to bring Japan's tiny-truck craze to America
USA Today • • business
Key Points:
- Toyota plans to build North America's first Kei truck for sale in the U.S. at its Indiana plant, reviving the Scion brand with a $34 million investment and creating 50 local jobs.
- The new Scion Kei truck will feature a 660 cc three-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, four-wheel drive, and compact dimensions, targeting affordability and practicality for American consumers.
- Kei trucks, popular in Japan for their maneuverability, are relatively uncommon in the U.S. where full-sized pickups dominate, but Toyota sees potential for this segment to grow.
- Former President Donald Trump supports introducing Kei cars in the U.S. as a solution to the vehicle affordability crisis, having authorized production approval to help consumers access smaller, less expensive new cars.
- Regulatory challenges remain, as the U.S. Department of Transportation has not yet amended safety standards to fully accommodate Kei cars, which must meet domestic regulations if produced in the U.S.
