Overview
- In a Truth Social post Friday, President Trump urged manufacturers to “start building” Japanese-style ultra‑compact cars in the U.S. and described them as inexpensive and fuel‑efficient.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was directed to “clear the deck” and is working with NHTSA, adding the vehicles are likely suited to city use and “probably not” for freeways.
- Most kei-size models do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and imported mini trucks are generally limited to 25 years or older, with several states restricting registration.
- Automaker executives from Ford, GM and Stellantis appeared with Trump at the White House and voiced support for a push toward more affordable small cars, but none detailed concrete U.S. plans.
- The announcement accompanied a rollback of Biden-era fuel-economy rules, with DOT citing a projected $109 billion in consumer savings over five years as analysts questioned feasibility and demand.