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Polybius

(21,401 posts) Sat Dec 6, 2025, 12:58 AM Dec 6

Trump says he approved the making of Japanese 'tiny cars' to be sold in the US [View all]

Source: The Independent

“Tiny cars” which are popular in Japan will be allowed to be built in U.S. factories, Presdient Donald Trump has announced.

“I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America,” the president wrote on Truth Social Friday, having previously described the vehicles as “very cute.”

“Manufacturers have long wanted to do this, just like they are so successfully built in other countries. They can be propelled by gasoline, electric, or hybrid. These cars of the very near future are inexpensive, safe, fuel efficient and, quite simply, AMAZING!!! START BUILDING THEM NOW!... ENJOY!!!”

The so-called “Kei trucks” typically measure about 11 feet long, 5 feet wide and 6.5 feet tall, according to Japan’s Interac Network, and now make up about a third of Japan’s car market due to their easily maneuverable size and cheap cost.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-japanese-tiny-cars-kei-b2879150.html

Wow, it's been years since I actually agreed with anything he's said, so I need a drink...

54 replies

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Highlight:

Trump says he approved the making of Japanese 'tiny cars' to be sold in the US [View all] Polybius Dec 6 OP

Something like that might be good for my situation. But was it something that was actually being held up previously? Silent Type Dec 6 #1

How do they fare when collided with those 2-3+ ton behemoths he also insists be sold in the US? RockRaven Dec 6 #2

Mostly better than a Raccoon Strelnikov_ Dec 6 #24

I was wondering, Bayard Dec 6 #42

I assume he's lying. Hassler Dec 6 #3

Don't need your approval, mushroom dick! NM Grins Dec 6 #4

Ultimately, yes. Igel Dec 6 #43

many of those van types in Hawaii but they are all right hand drive as they do in Japan msongs Dec 6 #5

"Kei trucks" are only a small proportion of "kei jidousha" in Japan RazorbackExpat Dec 6 #6

Honda makes a neat little Kei convertible...660 cc . I've had motorcycle bigger than this.. but it is WAY cool. mitch96 Dec 6 #40

Hmmmm... looks like an S660 RazorbackExpat Dec 7 #45

Baby S2000?..Saw this little red one in my town a few years ago. it's TINY!!! nt mitch96 Dec 7 #46

Looks like this to me RazorbackExpat Dec 8 #49

Way cool looking little ride. Perfect for jetting around my town...I'll take one please!!! nt mitch96 Dec 8 #52

It Would Be Fun MissouriDem47 Dec 6 #7

K cars are not allowed on interstate highways, essentially Tetrachloride Dec 6 #9

My daughter has a Kei car from Japan Onthefly Dec 6 #34

About the same as seing a motorcycle. Woodwizard Dec 6 #19

I had a yellow one, same thing. Weighed about 1400 lbs. 40 mpg, 803 cc although called 850. twodogsbarking Dec 6 #35

I hit 95 in mine Woodwizard Dec 6 #36

I occaionally squeezed myself and two others in. Was better when it was two females. twodogsbarking Dec 6 #38

Cappuccino Tetrachloride Dec 6 #8

Try to get insurance for the little death coffins. Mawspam2 Dec 6 #10

OJ Caesar's tiny car. generalbetrayus Dec 6 #11

Something is off here. What are these? Glorified golf carts? Raven123 Dec 6 #12

No. Kei vehicles are subcompact cars/trucks, slightly smaller than the 1990s Geo Tracker Eugene Dec 6 #16

B/c of their size and weight in Japan they get a tax and insurance break. nt mitch96 Dec 6 #41

The next thing I expect from Trump LilElf70 Dec 6 #13

Illegals? Like 34-count felons? Orrex Dec 6 #17

Good one LilElf70 Dec 6 #22

"Building Kei trucks in the U.S. would also require alterations to federal motor vehicle safety standards" progree Dec 6 #14

This is why he did it. Someone told him no. travelingthrulife Dec 6 #30

Good luck getting insurance on them Raven123 Dec 6 #44

Know your audience dipshit! BidenRocks Dec 6 #15

My old neighbor had one NickB79 Dec 6 #18

His MAGA base has resoundingly rejected small sedans for giant trucks and SUVs. tanyev Dec 6 #20

IF this even comes fruition kkmarie Dec 6 #25

Oh, yes, I remember the MAGA crowd Diamond_Dog Dec 6 #27

They also at one time rejected electric cars Polybius Dec 6 #32

Are they street-safe, or are they mostly for farm-use and residential (gated-community) use? QueerDuck Dec 6 #21

What about Smart Cars then? Polybius Dec 6 #33

Lower center of gravity? I know that they are bigger than the Smart Cars in Germany... QueerDuck Dec 6 #39

The traffic issues alone would create a huge problem. LilElf70 Dec 6 #23

These do not meet U.S. safety standards. Diamond_Dog Dec 6 #26

I'm amazed he doesn't import the Trabant Turbineguy Dec 6 #28

Florida legalized golf carts on public roadways throughout the state. sop Dec 6 #29

OK, question for those who know: Polybius Dec 6 #31

They complied with NHTSA standards. NT mahatmakanejeeves Dec 8 #50

Counters market trends newdeal2 Dec 6 #37

Americans don't want tiny cars RussBLib Dec 7 #47

Some of us do obamanut2012 Dec 8 #53

my wife used to RussBLib Dec 8 #54

Couple of dealers around here (Durham, NC) Red Mountain Dec 8 #48

They would be great in an urban environment for Phoenix61 Dec 8 #51