Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Toyota Motor announced on Tuesday that it plans to launch its ultra-compact mini KEI trucks in the US market for fleet buyers starting in the second half of 2027.
The limited initial release follows encouragement from President Donald Trump to introduce the vehicles to American buyers.
Mini or "kei" cars made up a third of the 3.7 million new vehicles sold in Japan last year, representing a segment not produced by U.S. automakers.
The KEI-01 model features a 660 cc three-cylinder engine with four-wheel drive and will be assembled at Toyota’s Indiana plant.
The automaker will invest $34 million into the initiative and add 50 jobs.
Built as right-hand-drive vehicles, the trucks measure slightly over 11 feet (3.35 m) long and under 5 feet wide, with a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour (40 kph).
Toyota said the mini truck complies with federal low-speed vehicle safety standards. Distribution will focus on fleet customers rather than retail sales, though Toyota may consider limited retail sales later.
Trump wanted kei cars in the United States but stated they must be assembled domestically.
Toyota indicated the trucks could serve small business owners, delivery fleets, farmers, ranchers, cities, universities, and corporate campuses.
