by A Potential Revolution on American Roads
After a recent trip to Japan, US President Donald Trump stated that he was impressed by “kei” class microcars and wondered why Americans cannot buy them new. He expressed the opinion that US residents could benefit from cars that are cheaper both to purchase and to operate.
“They are very small, they are really cute, and I asked: ‘How would such cars feel in this country?'”
Trump expressed this thought while announcing plans to ease the strict fuel economy standards introduced by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Technical and Safety Obstacles
The main obstacle to the appearance of new kei cars on American roads is safety requirements. These microcars do not meet current US crash test standards. In a collision with a full-size pickup, for example, a Ford F-150, they could be vulnerable. However, according to information, Trump believes the problem lies with the rules themselves, not the cars.
He instructed Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy to find opportunities for companies like Toyota and Honda to build these microcars in the USA. Kei cars have strict size and engine displacement limits in Japan – an engine no larger than 660 cc, and the car’s height barely exceeds the tire height of some full-size pickups.
Practicality and Economic Feasibility
While these cars handle Tokyo traffic jams excellently, they may look comical against the backdrop of American pickups, whose weight approaches that of a London bus. Furthermore, they are slow, not very spacious for larger-statured people, and undoubtedly less safe in accidents.
Analysts point out that it makes no sense for Japanese brands to produce kei cars in the USA, where small cars sell poorly and profit margins are minimal. Even if the rules change, companies would need new equipment, new factories, and a customer base that may never materialize.
An Opportunity for Change
Despite all obstacles, Trump’s enthusiasm has opened the door for discussion. If kei cars can find their way to the American market, local dealers could start offering something incredible – a car so small that even a Mazda Miata would seem like a Mercedes SL next to it.
The question is whether it is worth it for the government to ease regulations to allow new kei cars on the country’s roads, and whether there will be enough buyers for them.
The idea of importing Japanese microcars highlights a deeper discussion about the future of urban mobility and environmental standards. While some see them as an efficient means of city transportation, others question their safety in a country dominated by large vehicles. The success of such an initiative will depend not only on regulatory changes but also on a shift in consumer preferences and infrastructure decisions aimed at supporting alternative modes of transport.
