Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Toyota plans Indiana-built Scion kei truck for 2027
Toyota plans to build the Kei-01 mini pickup in Indiana in the second half of 2027, bringing a type of vehicle popular in Japan to the US.
The truck will revive Scion, a brand Toyota discontinued in 2016, and will initially be offered to commercial fleets.
It is based on the Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo and has a three-cylinder engine, a right-side steering wheel and a top speed of 25 mph.
Toyota has not announced a US price, though the comparable model sells in Japan for around $9,000.
The plan comes as new vehicles and pickup trucks have become more expensive, while many lower-cost models have been discontinued.
Toyota says the truck has updated safety features and can be driven in all 50 states, but Japan Times says minicars do not meet US federal standards for high-speed roads.
Toyota plans to build its Kei-01 mini truck at its Indiana plant in the second half of 2027.
The truck will revive Toyota’s Scion brand, which the company discontinued in 2016.
Toyota says it will initially be offered to commercial fleets.
The Kei-01 will have a three-cylinder engine and a top speed of 25 mph, or 40 km/h.
Toyota has not announced US pricing.
- Who
- Toyota.
- What
- It plans to build the Kei-01 mini truck in the United States and revive the Scion brand for it.
- When
- Production is planned for the second half of 2027.
- Where
- Toyota’s plant in Indiana.
- Why
- The sources describe it as a low-cost, smaller vehicle aimed initially at commercial fleets, but do not state Toyota’s specific reason for the plan.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Donald Trump wrote that he had approved tiny cars being built in the United States.
Toyota announced plans to assemble the Kei-01 at its Indiana plant.
Toyota plans to begin production of the Kei-01.
- Model
- Kei-01
- Plant
- Indiana
- Planned production
- Second half of 2027
- Initial customers
- Commercial fleets
- Top speed
- 25 mph (40 km/h)
- Payload
- Up to 600 pounds
4 sources
What people are saying
I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America
These cars of the very near future are inexpensive, safe, fuel efficient and, quite simply, AMAZING!!! START BUILDING THEM NOW!