Trump's Tiny Cars: A Big Idea for America?

Thu Jan 29 2026 20:11:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Donald Trump encourages the production of Kei cars in the U.S., but will American consumers embrace downsized vehicles?

Former President Donald Trump has proposed introducing Kei cars, small Japanese vehicles, to the U.S. market, envisioning them as an economical and efficient alternative. However, skepticism lingers about their viability among American buyers who traditionally prefer larger vehicles. Factors such as safety concerns, pricing challenges, and cultural preferences play crucial roles in determining whether these tiny cars will be a hit or miss in America.

America is known as the land of big cars and even bigger SUVs but Donald Trump has an idea that could change that.

The president wants to bring to the US tiny vehicles, like those commonly seen on the streets of Japan, in the form of mini hatchbacks and vans half the size of a Ford F-150 pickup truck.

So-called Kei cars - short for kei-jidōsha, literally light vehicle - became popular in Japan after World War Two as an economical means of transport in its crowded cities. They have also become popular across Asia.

Despite Trump's enthusiasm for micro-cars, importers and drivers in the US aren't so sure they are a viable option in the vast country.

Among the obstacles are whether manufacturers can keep prices low, make the vehicles safe enough and if big-car-loving Americans can be convinced to downsize.

After a visit to Japan, Trump said in an online post in December: I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America.

These cars of the very near future are inexpensive, safe, fuel efficient and, quite simply, AMAZING!!! START BUILDING THEM NOW!

His suggestion marks a shift that would undo a long-running rule barring small American-made vehicles.

While there are already some Kei cars in the US, they are a rare sight and have to be at least 25 years old to run legally on American roads.

America could see these smaller vehicles as a great solution for urban driving, but manufacturers face challenges in making them affordable while satisfying safety regulations. The responses from carmakers suggest that while some are assessing the market, the predominant preference for larger vehicles remains strong.

All in all, Trump's push for Kei cars may be met with resistance, largely due to American consumers' established love for larger vehicles and the practical challenges associated with introducing this new segment.