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Toyota revives Scion for limited-purpose, low-speed kei-inspired truck
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Toyota plans to revive the Scion name for the KEI-01, a compact, four-wheel-drive truck inspired by Japan’s kei vehicles. The move brings a small vehicle to the US amid interest in greater choice beyond large SUVs, but the KEI-01 is designed for limited-purpose use rather than ordinary road travel.
The truck will be restricted to 25 mph (40 km/h), offered only with right-hand drive and initially sold to fleet buyers. Toyota says it could suit small businesses, farms, campuses and delivery operators; knock-down kits are due to be assembled in Indiana from mid-2027, creating 50 jobs. No price has been announced, though estimates range from $10,000 to $28,000.
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In short
- Toyota is reviving Scion for its KEI-01 truck.
- The vehicle is capped at 25 mph and aimed at fleets.
- Indiana assembly is expected to create 50 jobs in 2027.
How this story developed
- 10 minutes ago Toyota plans to bring back the Scion name for the KEI-01, a small, four-wheel-drive truck inspired by Japan’s Kei vehicles.
- 11 minutes ago Toyota plans to revive the Scion name for the KEI-01, a compact, four-wheel-drive truck inspired by Japan’s kei vehicles.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The KEI-01 could give farms, campuses and small businesses a compact, four-wheel-drive vehicle suited to short, low-speed trips, while its Indiana assembly is expected to create local jobs. A limited fleet launch also lets Toyota test demand for a lower-cost, practical vehicle without claiming it can replace conventional cars.
The case against
Because it is capped at 25 mph, initially limited to fleet buyers and supplied only in right-hand drive, the KEI-01 is unlikely to meet the needs of most US drivers or fulfil calls for smaller road-going cars. Its uncertain price range also makes its affordability unclear, and the narrow launch may have little effect beyond specialised uses.
Coverage · 2 sources
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Ars Technica as “Trump wanted little Kei trucks for America, Toyota makes it happen”.