America is known as the land of big cars and even bigger SUVs but Donald Trump has an idea that could change that.
The president wants to bring to the US tiny vehicles, like those commonly seen on the streets of Japan, in the form of mini hatchbacks and vans half the size of a Ford F-150 pickup truck.
So-called Kei cars - short for kei-jidōsha, literally light vehicle - became popular in Japan after World War Two as an economical means of transport in its crowded cities. They have also become popular across Asia.
Despite Trump's enthusiasm for micro-cars, importers and drivers in the US aren't so sure they are a viable option in the vast country.
Among the obstacles are whether manufacturers can keep prices low, make the vehicles safe enough and if big-car-loving Americans can be convinced to downsize.
After a visit to Japan, Trump said in an online post in December: I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America. These cars of the very near future are inexpensive, safe, fuel efficient and, quite simply, AMAZING!!! START BUILDING THEM NOW!
His suggestion marks a shift that would undo a long-running rule barring small American-made vehicles.
While there are already some Kei cars in the US, they are a rare sight and have to be at least 25 years old to run legally on American roads.
Business accounts manager Nevi Bergeron bought her turbo-charged yellow 1997 Suzuki Cappuccino three years ago after being inspired by the Japanese street racing manga series Initial D. She loves her car, saying, It's tiny and a bit silly... definitely a conversation-starter. You get a lot of glances when you drive around the city.
But she wouldn't recommend it as a daily runaround, stating, It is fun to drive but it is not exactly what I'd call safe.
US transport secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that small cars would probably not be well-suited to American freeways, but he added that they could be a great solution for city drivers.
Key to Trump's enthusiasm for small cars is the promise of lower prices, which could help Americans afford vehicles that meet their needs, whether electric, petrol-powered or in the form of a mini-van or micro.
A spokesperson for the US transport department insisted it's yet to be seen if American manufacturers can build small cars at lower prices than existing sedans.
However, the current car prices in the US remain high post-pandemic, and economic uncertainties are prevalent. Carmakers like Stellantis are beginning to respond to Trump's call, with plans to introduce models such as the Fiat Topolino to the US market.
Still, many experts remain skeptical. Industry investor Steve Greenfield noted that modern Kei cars would face significant hurdles to meet US safety regulations. The historical pattern shows that small cars often struggle to gain traction in a market that favors larger vehicles.
As interest in Kei cars grows, it appears they may remain a niche market, primarily appealing to automotive enthusiasts rather than the broader American consumer base.
