Trump Pushes to Allow Japanese Mini-Vehicles on U.S. Roads, Faces Hurdles

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for a major change in American auto regulations. He wants to approve the production and sale of Japanese "kei" cars in the United States. These ultra-compact vehicles are hugely popular in Japan. They are defined by strict size and engine limits, making them cheap to buy and fuel-efficient. However, they do not meet current U.S. safety and emissions standards. U.S. regulations have long blocked kei cars from being sold as new vehicles. Experts say adapting them to meet all federal rules would be difficult and costly. The required changes could erase their low price and high fuel economy. The proposal faces significant opposition from safety advocates and the domestic auto industry. Any regulatory shift would also require a lengthy legal process, making quick approval unlikely.