Trump Returns From Japan Obsessed With Tiny Kei Cars—and Wants Them Sold in America

Trump Returns to America Enamored by Small Japanese Cars

It looks like Europe isn't the only continent going crazy over Japanese cute-utes. President Donald J. Trump returned from a trip to Japan, charmed by the ultra-compact “kei” cars that fill the narrow urban streets of Tokyo and other Japanese cities.

Speaking at the White House on December 3, 2025, Trump told reporters: “They’re very small, they’re really cute… How would that do in this country?” He said he had authorized U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy to “immediately approve” production of kei-style cars for the U.S. market, signaling a dramatic shift in direction.

The announcement arrives alongside a rollback of fuel-efficiency standards introduced under the previous administration.  Trump and his team appear to be trying to open the door to a segment of the market that, until now, has been largely absent in America: very small, efficient, and affordable vehicles that contrast sharply with the country’s dominance of SUVs and pickups. 

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What are Kei Cars?

“Kei cars”, not to be confused with Chrysler's K Cars of the 80s, is a term derived from the Japanese word for “light”, referring to a special class of ultra-compact vehicles regulated under Japan’s strict size, engine, and performance limits.

Typically, kei cars measure under 3.4 meters in length, have engines no larger than 660 cc, and conform to tight restrictions on weight and power. Because of their small footprint and efficient engines, they benefit from lower taxes and are ideal for congested city driving. 

Over the years, Japanese automakers have produced a wide variety of kei-class vehicles, from tiny hatchbacks to micro-vans, kei trucks, and even electric kei cars. Some of the most relevant models today include compact electric offerings such as Nissan Sakura or Mitsubishi eK X EV, both aimed at the budget and urban commuter segment.  There’s also growing attention to newer kei-style electric models from non-Japanese automakers, like the BYD Racco, which represents the first dedicated electric kei car from a non-Japanese maker, a sign that the concept of micro EVs may spread beyond Japan. 

Easier Said Than Done, Though

Bringing kei cars to the U.S. would require a complete overhaul of regulatory, manufacturing, and marketing plans already in motion. This will force agencies and automakers to pivot quickly. There’s also the challenge of converting Japan’s right-hand-drive platforms to left-hand drive, adding engineering costs that clash with the kei segment’s budget-minded nature.

Beyond regulations, kei cars face a culture clash with a market dominated by full-size trucks and SUVs, not city runabouts. And because Americans often buy one or two vehicles to handle everything from the daily commute to hauling to the occasional road trip, a tiny kei car may struggle to justify its place in households outside enthusiast circles.

Which Kei Car or Truck Would You Like to See Stateside?

Despite all of these hurdles, if this policy push succeeds, we'd be most excited about seeing a modern, practical kei car. Something like the Nissan Sakura or Mitsubishi eK X EV made available in the U.S. Their compact size, low running costs, and urban-friendly dimensions could fill a niche that American carmakers have largely abandoned. In dense cities, they could offer an affordable, efficient, and no-frills mobility solution. Considering the hype that surrounded the Slate upon introduction, there truly is a market here for something like a kei car.

On the other hand, a kei-style truck or van, similar to those already used in Japan, might also find a niche among small businesses or urban mobility services. Their light footprint and efficiency could make them useful for last-mile delivery, city services, or even as commuter workhorses in congested metro areas.

Ultimately, whether the U.S. market embraces kei cars will depend not just on regulation but on consumer appetite, and if history is any guide, we shouldn’t expect them to dominate, but they could become a small, interesting alternative.

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