During a recent briefing, President Donald Trump expressed interest in kei trucks from Japan, describing them as “very small” and “really cute.” He raised questions about their potential popularity in the United States, noting that many believe they could perform well, but current regulations restrict their production in the country.
Kei trucks, which comply with Japan’s light vehicle regulations, have seen a significant increase in popularity, with sales tripling in the past five years. Approximately 7,500 were imported to the U.S. last year, as reported by data from Japan Used Motor Vehicle.
In comparison to the Volkswagen Beetle, Trump indicated he would support the U.S. Department of Transportation in approving the production of kei trucks in America. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that Trump directed him to relax regulations in this regard, making it easier for companies like Toyota to manufacture and sell smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles domestically.
However, the specifics of the authorization issued by Trump to Duffy remain unclear, as a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation has not provided additional details. Current federal regulations permit the import of mini trucks older than 25 years, but the on-road legality and registration of these vehicles are less definitive across states. Some states do have provisions for low-speed vehicles, such as golf carts, which raises the possibility that kei trucks might be classified under these rules.
Despite their increasing interest, the market acceptance of kei trucks in the U.S. remains uncertain. With strict guidelines regarding engine size and power, these vehicles may not meet the preferences of the average American buyer. The briefing also aimed to address Trump’s intentions to roll back fuel efficiency standards established by the previous administration, with the claimed goal of making vehicles more affordable—a point that experts warn may not lead to long-term savings for consumers due to potential increases in fuel prices.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/838563/trump-kei-truck-authorize-cute-usdot