Trump Approves US Production of Small Kei Cars

President Donald Trump announced plans to allow the production of small Japanese-style kei cars in the United States, citing their affordability and efficiency as key benefits for American consumers. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump stated, "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!"

The announcement followed Trump's recent trip to Japan, where he encountered the compact vehicles known as kei cars. Speaking to reporters outside the White House earlier this week, Trump described them as "very small, they're really cute," comparing them to the classic Volkswagen Beetle. He questioned why such vehicles could not be made and sold in the United States and indicated his administration would approve their domestic manufacturing.

Kei cars, a category unique to Japan since 1949, are designed for urban and rural use with strict size and engine limits: no larger than 3.4 meters long,...