4-12-2025 (WASHINGTON) President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has directed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to fast-track approval for manufacturing Japan’s compact kei cars in the United States, aiming to bring affordable, small vehicles to American roads.
Speaking at a White House event, Trump highlighted the appeal of these “very small and really cute” cars, popular in Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia for their efficiency and low cost. He described them as ideal for urban driving but noted past regulatory hurdles had blocked their production stateside. “You’re not allowed to build them,” Trump said, before adding that the directive would remove those barriers immediately.
Trump: If you go to Japan and South Korea and Malaysia, they have a very small car… Very small and really cute. You’re not allowed to build them and I have authorized the secretary to immediately approve the production of those cars. pic.twitter.com/MT6qchy8Bk
— Acyn (@Acyn) December 3, 2025
Kei cars, capped at 660cc engines and under 3.5 meters long under Japanese standards, offer fuel savings and easy parking—features that could appeal to U.S. consumers facing rising gas prices and traffic congestion. The move, comes amid broader efforts to bolster domestic auto jobs, though details on timelines or manufacturers remain unclear.
Analysts say the policy shift could invigorate the small-car segment, long overshadowed by SUVs, but environmental groups may push back over emissions rules.
