U.S. President Donald Trump says he has approved the production of Japan‑style tiny cars in the United States. He made the remarks after a week of comments praising the small vehicles common in Japan.
“They’re very small, they’re really cute,” Trump said at the White House, adding that he wants domestic versions built for American roads, a shift he tied to affordability goals, as reported by Bloomberg. He also said he told Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to move quickly. The timeline and legal route remain unclear.
Trump’s push arrives as Washington revisits fuel economy policy and manufacturers weigh costs. His statements point to cars similar to Japan’s kei class, which use small engines and compact footprints for city use.
To move from talk to factory lines, any new models must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. They also need emissions certification from federal regulators. Without those approvals, mass production cannot start.
The safety standards govern crash protection, lighting, and other core systems. U.S. rules are written for new vehicles sold to the public, and compliance is certified by the manufacturer. Tiny cars built for Japan would need redesigns to pass American tests. That redesign work can take time and money. It also requires clear signals from regulators.
State roads and urban use
Even with federal approvals, state rules still shape where small vehicles can operate. Some states limit low‑power vehicles on highways or fast arterials. That reality points the first market to dense city streets, college campuses, and short‑haul delivery.
It also points to a need for local road authorities to plan markings, signage, and parking. “If there is a market for those vehicles, I want to give our manufacturers the opportunity to build those cars,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, noting they are likely not for freeways.
For automakers, the business case hinges on demand and unit costs. Tooling a line for a brand‑new size class is not trivial. Suppliers would need to align parts, safety systems, and software to North American specs. Cross‑border plants in Canada and the U.S. could split work if volumes justify it. That depends on clear federal rules and steady orders.
If standards are unchanged, few will invest at scale. If a path emerges, contracts for tooling, batteries, and safety testing will follow. Automakers will still ask a basic question. Is there a durable market for very small cars in North America? The next few months should reveal the answer.