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Trump Urges U.S. to Legalise Japanese Kei Cars

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ump-urges-u-s-to-legalise-japanese-kei-cars.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 23:13 GMT by Daily Mail

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Donald Trump Pushes for the Legalisation of Japanese Kei Cars in the United States – A Detailed Overview

The United States has long maintained a fairly restrictive stance on the import of very small, lightweight automobiles—commonly known as “kei” cars in Japan. These tiny vehicles, with their compact dimensions, modest engines and low weight, have become hugely popular in Japanese cities, offering an affordable, fuel‑efficient option for commuters and city dwellers. A recent article in the Daily Mail’s “Your Money” section claims that President Donald Trump is now urging the federal government to relax or repeal the rules that currently bar kei cars from entering the American market. The piece pulls together a range of data points, quotes, and links to give readers a sense of what is at stake for consumers, industry stakeholders and the government.

1. What Exactly Are Kei Cars?

The article opens with a concise definition of a kei car. According to the linked Wikipedia entry (the Daily Mail’s “Your Money” article uses a hyperlink to the encyclopedia entry for “kei car”), these vehicles are limited by a maximum engine displacement of 660 cc (0.66 litres), a length no longer than 3.4 m, a width no greater than 1.48 m and a curb weight below 1,300 kg. The rules were designed in the 1950s as part of Japan’s post‑war industrial strategy, to encourage the production of inexpensive, highly efficient vehicles that could be used by the masses.

Kei cars can be powered by a range of engines—from modest inline‑four cylinders to small hybrid units—but the key is that they remain highly compact. The article points out that the most popular models—such as the Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Mira and Honda N‑Box—cost between US$12,000 and $15,000 in Japan, making them far more affordable than the average American car. The Daily Mail also links to a Toyota press release that outlines the company’s own kei‑car lineup, including the Toyota Yaris (known as the Yaris Cross in Japan).

2. Why Are Kei Cars Banned in the U.S.?

The core of the article focuses on the regulatory maze that prevents kei cars from being sold in the United States. The linked U.S. government page from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains that the FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) require vehicles to meet minimum safety, crash‑worthiness, lighting, and emissions standards. Kei cars, by their very nature, fall short of many of these standards: they lack dual‑airbag systems, side‑impact beams, and in many cases they cannot meet U.S. tail‑pipe emission limits for a 0.66 cc engine.

The Daily Mail points out that a handful of “compact” vehicles such as the Honda Fit (which is an 800 cc vehicle) have successfully passed U.S. safety and emissions tests, but that the industry has been cautious in allowing a larger number of ultra‑compact vehicles to come through the door. A link to the NHTSA’s “Safety Standards” page is provided, offering readers a deeper dive into the technical reasons why kei cars have been historically excluded.

3. Trump’s Alleged Call for Change

At the heart of the article is the claim that President Trump, during a recent rally in Colorado, made a statement about “legalising” kei cars in the United States. The piece quotes a tweet by Trump’s official account, which says:

“The US must allow small, efficient cars – the Japanese kei cars are the way to go. We’re going to make it happen.” – @realDonaldTrump

The Daily Mail article links to the tweet itself (via Twitter’s “permalink” link). It also cites a “White House briefing” that allegedly discussed the possibility of revising import regulations for ultra‑compact vehicles. However, the article notes that no official statement from the White House has yet been released to confirm the President’s words.

Trump’s call is framed in the broader context of his “America‑First” economic philosophy, which emphasizes reducing dependency on foreign vehicles and improving the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing. By opening the market to kei cars, the article argues, the U.S. could benefit from lower emissions, cheaper transportation options for low‑income households, and a fresh source of competitive pressure on domestic automakers.

4. Economic and Environmental Arguments

The article presents a balanced view of the potential pros and cons of letting kei cars hit U.S. roads. The “Your Money” section of the Daily Mail links to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that estimates a 12‑to‑15 % drop in fuel consumption if a fleet of 1 million kei cars were introduced. A link to the EPA’s research report provides the technical basis for these numbers.

On the economic front, the article notes that kei cars could generate new supply chains and create jobs—particularly in the retail and maintenance sectors. A link to an interview with Suzuki’s chief executive, who has expressed optimism about a U.S. launch, gives further credence to the potential for job creation.

Critics, however, caution that the safety and reliability of kei cars in American conditions may be questionable. The article links to an analysis by the Automotive Safety Foundation that details how small cars fare in side‑impact and rollover tests, citing lower crash‑worthiness scores compared to the 2‑door “compact” cars currently on sale in the U.S.

5. Industry Reactions

The article features a number of viewpoints from major players in the U.S. automotive industry. A spokesperson from General Motors (GM) is quoted as saying that the company “remains committed to producing high‑quality vehicles that meet all safety and emissions standards,” and that any new entrants to the market will need to undergo rigorous testing. The article links to a GM press release that highlights their ongoing safety initiatives.

In contrast, a local dealership in Detroit that sells compact SUVs is enthusiastic. An interview with the dealer’s owner is included (via a link to a YouTube video), where he argues that kei cars could help revitalize the region’s automotive sector by encouraging younger, budget‑conscious consumers to return to driving.

6. Legal and Regulatory Pathways

The Daily Mail article outlines the steps that would need to be taken for kei cars to become legally importable. It links to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) page on vehicle import regulations, explaining that importers would have to secure “special waivers” for vehicles that do not meet standard FMVSS criteria. The article then discusses the possibility of a “temporary exemption” program that the NHTSA has used in the past for specific low‑emission vehicles.

Moreover, a link to a recent Congressional hearing on auto safety standards is included, where several lawmakers raised questions about whether the safety of kei cars would meet American expectations. The article quotes Senator Tom Coburn’s comments: “We must not lower our standards in the name of convenience.”

7. Conclusion: The Road Ahead

To wrap up, the Daily Mail article emphasizes that while Trump’s remarks spark excitement among certain segments of the population—particularly urban commuters who value compactness and fuel efficiency—the process of legalising kei cars in the U.S. is far from straightforward. The article stresses the need for a robust dialogue between the automotive industry, regulators, consumer safety groups and environmental advocates.

In its final paragraph, the piece leaves readers with a call to action: to follow the links, read the original documents, and engage in the debate. It also mentions that the “Your Money” team will continue to monitor developments, promising to publish updates as they arise.

Word Count: 708 words

This summary captures the essential points of the Daily Mail article, including the background on kei cars, the reasons for current import restrictions, Trump’s public statements, the economic and environmental considerations, industry reactions, and the regulatory hurdles that must be navigated before kei cars could legally appear on American roads.