Donald Trump Eyes Japan’s Tiny Kei Cars for the US, but Safety, Cost, and Culture Pose Major Challenges
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Jan 05, 2026, 23:23 IST
Donald Trump has shown interest in Japan’s small and affordable “kei” cars and wants them manufactured in the US. Popular in Japan for short commutes, these vehicles are fuel-efficient and inexpensive. However, experts warn that kei cars do not meet US safety standards and may be unsafe on highways. High manufacturing costs and Americans’ preference for larger vehicles make widespread adoption unlikely.
The US President, Donald Trump, is fascinated by Japan's tiny cars, popularly known as “kei” cars, and is interested in making them in the US.
Kie cars are tiny vehicles from Japan that are fuel-efficient and cheap. These cars consist of small engines and are typically priced around $10,000 in Japan. Since these vehicles are small in size, they easily fit in small garages and tight parking spaces.
The kei cars were first developed in Japan after World War 2 with the motive to produce affordable vehicles for everyone. These cars come in both gas as well as electric forms and are manufactured by companies like Daihatsu, Honda, and Suzuki. In Japan, these cars are popular among people in rural areas and are often used by families as a second car, especially to run daily errands and for short commutes. The Japanese government also encourages the use of these cars by lowering the insurance and cost, and road taxes.
Trump saw the kei cars for the first time during his visit to Japan in October 2025, and since then, he has shown interest in having them in the US. Speaking to the reporters in the Oval Office on Dec 3, he said, “They’re very small. They’re really cute. And I said, How would that do in this country?”
And just two days after this, Trump approved for Kei cars to be manufactured in the US instead of importing them from Japan. “I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America. Manufacturers have long wanted to do this, just like they are so successfully built in other countries. They can be propelled by gasoline, electric, or hybrid. These cars of the very near future are inexpensive, safe, fuel-efficient, and, quite simply, AMAZING!!! START BUILDING THEM NOW!” he wrote on Truth Social.
Many Americans also expressed interest in these cars since they are reliable for everyday use and also cost much cheaper than trucks like the F-150.
However, experts say that these cars are not suitable for American roads. Kei cars may have low maintenance and running costs, but most of these cars lack basic safety features like airbags. These cars are also unsafe when driven alongside SUVs and trucks on speedy highways.
Experts also stated that building these cars in the US is where the real barrier arises. When manufacturers build kei vehicles to meet US safety laws, the manufacturing cost of the cars increases, which affects the price of vehicles, making them cost more than the normal price. In addition to this, most Americans prioritise large vehicles for comfort during long road trips, and kei cars do not satisfy their needs when it comes to long-distance travel. While kei cars may be suitable for daily commutes and retirement communities, they are not expected to replace American vehicles in the near future.
Kie cars are tiny vehicles from Japan that are fuel-efficient and cheap. These cars consist of small engines and are typically priced around $10,000 in Japan. Since these vehicles are small in size, they easily fit in small garages and tight parking spaces.
The kei cars were first developed in Japan after World War 2 with the motive to produce affordable vehicles for everyone. These cars come in both gas as well as electric forms and are manufactured by companies like Daihatsu, Honda, and Suzuki. In Japan, these cars are popular among people in rural areas and are often used by families as a second car, especially to run daily errands and for short commutes. The Japanese government also encourages the use of these cars by lowering the insurance and cost, and road taxes.
Trump saw the kei cars for the first time during his visit to Japan in October 2025, and since then, he has shown interest in having them in the US. Speaking to the reporters in the Oval Office on Dec 3, he said, “They’re very small. They’re really cute. And I said, How would that do in this country?”
And just two days after this, Trump approved for Kei cars to be manufactured in the US instead of importing them from Japan. “I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America. Manufacturers have long wanted to do this, just like they are so successfully built in other countries. They can be propelled by gasoline, electric, or hybrid. These cars of the very near future are inexpensive, safe, fuel-efficient, and, quite simply, AMAZING!!! START BUILDING THEM NOW!” he wrote on Truth Social.
Many Americans also expressed interest in these cars since they are reliable for everyday use and also cost much cheaper than trucks like the F-150.
However, experts say that these cars are not suitable for American roads. Kei cars may have low maintenance and running costs, but most of these cars lack basic safety features like airbags. These cars are also unsafe when driven alongside SUVs and trucks on speedy highways.
Experts also stated that building these cars in the US is where the real barrier arises. When manufacturers build kei vehicles to meet US safety laws, the manufacturing cost of the cars increases, which affects the price of vehicles, making them cost more than the normal price. In addition to this, most Americans prioritise large vehicles for comfort during long road trips, and kei cars do not satisfy their needs when it comes to long-distance travel. While kei cars may be suitable for daily commutes and retirement communities, they are not expected to replace American vehicles in the near future.