Toyota to Launch Mini Trucks in US Following Trump Call, With $34 Million Investment
Fleet launch planned for 2027
Toyota Motor announced plans on Tuesday to introduce its KEI-01 mini truck to US fleet buyers in the second half of 2027. The initial release will be limited, with distribution aimed at fleets rather than retail customers.
The move follows encouragement from President Donald Trump to bring kei vehicles to the United States. Trump has said such vehicles should be assembled domestically, and Toyota plans to build the trucks at its Indiana plant.
Investment and vehicle details
Toyota will put $34 million into the initiative and create 50 jobs. The KEI-01 has a 660 cc, three-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive. The right-hand-drive truck is slightly more than 11 feet (3.35 m) long and under 5 feet wide. Its maximum speed is 25 miles per hour (40 kph), and Toyota says it meets federal low-speed vehicle safety standards.
Potential customers and market
Toyota identified small businesses, delivery fleets, farmers, ranchers, cities, universities and corporate campuses as potential users. The company may consider limited retail sales in the future. Mini, or kei, vehicles accounted for a third of the 3.7 million new vehicles sold in Japan last year. The segment is not produced by U.S. automakers. Toyota also said it is relaunching its Scion in the United States.
Key points
- Toyota plans a limited US fleet launch of its KEI-01 mini truck in the second half of 2027.
- The company will invest $34 million and add 50 jobs at its Indiana plant.
- The right-hand-drive truck has four-wheel drive and a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour.
- Toyota will focus on fleet customers, while leaving open the possibility of limited retail sales later.