Toyota's US subsidiary announced that it will produce and sell the new KEI-01 model in the United States, based on a kei truck currently sold in Japan. It is the first model under the US-only brand "Scion by Toyota," and its top speed is expected to be limited to 40 km/h.
Toyota's US subsidiary announced that it will produce and sell the new KEI-01 model in the United States from next year onward. Production is expected to begin in the second half of 2027, with assembly planned at a plant in Indiana. The base vehicle will be Daihatsu's kei commercial vehicle, the "Hijet Truck Jumbo," and is expected to retain features including the same 660cc engine as the Japan-market version and right-hand drive.
KEI-01 is reportedly expected to have its top speed limited to approximately 40 km/h to comply with the requirements of the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, or FMVSS. Toyota also positions the vehicle as the first model of "Scion by Toyota," a new brand being launched in the United States.
The brand is expected to carry on the spirit of the original Scion and serve as a platform for offering distinctive vehicles that express individuality and freedom. KEI-01 is expected to be produced strategically in small volumes, with initial sales to fleet users through existing channels.
The announcement comes as Japanese kei trucks are once again attracting attention in the North American market. If local production and sales of KEI-01 are realized, this will represent a new initiative for a local brand.