The initiative will bring the right-hand drive KEI-01 model to fleet buyers in the second half of 2027. Production will take place at the company's Indiana facility, supporting domestic manufacturing through a targeted capital investment. While American automakers do not produce these vehicles, they represent a major share of Japan's domestic automotive market. Along with this utility rollout, the automaker is also preparing to revive its Scion marque in the United States.
Key points
Initial vehicle availability will prioritize commercial and municipal fleets rather than…: Initial vehicle availability will prioritize commercial and municipal fleets rather than everyday retail shoppers.
Tiny kei vehicles represented roughly one-third of the 3.7 million new automobiles sold i…: Tiny kei vehicles represented roughly one-third of the 3.7 million new automobiles sold in Japan last year.
Toyota concurrently revealed plans to relaunch its Scion brand across the United States.: Toyota concurrently revealed plans to relaunch its Scion brand across the United States.
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WASHINGTON, Nov 10 : Toyota Motor said on Tuesday it will bring its ultra-compact mini KEI trucks to the US market for fleet customers starting in the second half of 2027 as part of a limited rollout after President Donald Trump encouraged the move.
A third of the 3.7 million new cars sold in Japan last year were mini, or "kei", cars — tiny vehicles that are not produced by American automakers. The KEI-01, which has a 660 cc three-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive, will be assembled at Toyota's plant in Indiana.
Toyota will add 50 jobs and invest $34 million in the project. The right-hand-drive trucks measure just over 11 feet (3.35 m) in length and under 5 feet in width with a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour (40 kph).
Toyota said the vehicle is designed to comply with federal low-speed vehicle safety requirements and initial distribution will focus on fleet customers rather than retail sales. Toyota also said it is relaunching its Scion in the US.
Trump wanted kei cars in the United States but has…
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