{
  "id": 19529660,
  "title": "Toyota’s Scion is back, starting with an American-made, 25-mph kei truck",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/toyotas-scion-is-back-starting-with-an-american-made-25-mph-kei-truck",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-11T17:09:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Verge",
    "slug": "the-verge",
    "url": "https://www.theverge.com/transportation/1031554/oyota-scion-kei-01-truck-revival"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Toyota is reviving the Scion brand with an unexpected twist: an American-made kei truck. Kei vehicles, designed to meet Japan's light vehicle regulations, have gained popularity worldwide, including in the United States. Over 30,000 used kei trucks have been imported to the US since 2020, with roughly 7,500 units entering the country annually. Initially, President Trump authorized the Department of Transportation to approve their production. Toyota aims to test the American market's interest in these compact trucks. The choice of using the Scion brand, which was discontinued in 2016, suggests Toyota intends to attract younger car buyers. However, the company views Scion as an experimental platform for utility, outdoor adventure, and customization. Scheduled for release in late 2027, the KEI-01 Scion truck is powered by a 660cc three-cylinder gas engine and a continuously variable transmission. Despite its modest performance, it should provide sufficient power for city driving while minimizing fuel consumption. Its compact size—approximately 11 feet long and under 5 feet wide—makes it ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as city alleys, barn aisles, or campus pathways. The vehicle features an on-demand 4WD system with a push-button locking mode, which distributes power to all four wheels for improved traction on uneven terrain. Inside, the truck features a basic design with mostly black plastic, and its price is expected to remain low, though Toyota has not disclosed specific trim options. The truck's limited 25 mph speed is in compliance with federal Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) regulations, which also apply to golf carts and similar vehicles. The truck bed folds down completely flat, allowing for easy loading of cargo up to 600 pounds. Unlike other utility vehicles, the KEI-01 has a fully sealed cabin with heating and air conditioning. The cab has a higher roofline, providing extra headroom, reclining seats, and additional storage behind the seats. The steering wheel is on the right side of the cab, following the classic Japanese utility vehicle design. The KEI-01 is part of Scion's broader lineup of niche utility and experimental vehicles, including an SxS Concept with a powerful hybrid turbo setup for off-roading and a modular BKE Concept exploring compact personal mobility. The truck's production will take place at Toyota's Princeton, Indiana manufacturing plant, where $34 million will be invested to create new jobs. Scion by Toyota will initially launch the mini-truck as a fleet-focused pilot program for corporate campuses, farms, municipalities, and local delivery operators. While Toyota may consider broader consumer sales in the future, the initial rollout is treated as an experimental endeavor to assess real-world utility in the United States.",
  "summary": "Toyota is dusting off the Scion badge for a radically different mission. Rather than targeting youth-market hatchbacks, \"Scion by Toyota\" is being positioned as an experimental mobility incubator - and its first vehicle is an authentic Japanese-style kei truck built in Indiana. Kei vehicles, which are built to satisfy Japan's light vehicle regulations, are enjoying […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hacker News",
        "title": "Toyota brand Scion is back and it's going to sell a kei truck in America",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/toyota-brand-scion-is-back-and-its-going-to-sell-a-kei-truck-in",
        "published": "2026-11-10T19:50:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}