Japanese mini trucks have been a hit with US consumers because they offer an inexpensive, compact truck without all the bells and whistles that is also relatively cheap to service.
Toyota Motor has recognized this growing niche in the US truck market and announced Tuesday that it plans to begin making an "ultra-compact utility truck" at its Indiana plant.
Local outlet Courier & Press reports:
Toyota Motor North America on Tuesday announced it would add a production line to its Gibson County, Indiana, plant in 2027, a $34 million investment that will generate some 50 new jobs.
But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the announcement is the type of vehicle Toyota plans to roll off that new assembly line. It will be the first vehicle in the reimagined "Scion by Toyota" brand: An ultra-compact utility truck that meets American standards for low-speed vehicles, or LSVs.
The truck, officially called the KEI-01, will begin production in the second half of 2027.
The KEI-01 mini truck has a sub-1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine, a configuration more commonly found in motorcycles on US roads.
The new truck will be sold under the revived Scion brand.
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