Stellantis Says It Will Bring Electric Topolino To US - CleanTechnica

The article discusses Stellantis' plan to introduce an electric version of the iconic Italian "Topolino" microcar to the US market, inspired by the popularity of Japan's kei cars. Kei cars are small, affordable vehicles with strict size and engine displacement limits, designed to stimulate car ownership and industry growth in post-war Japan. These cars typically sell for around $10,000 new and have gained a niche following in the US, especially among enthusiasts importing models over 25 years old. The US president’s recent visit to Japan and his comments praising these tiny cars sparked renewed interest in bringing similar compact, affordable vehicles to America. The article highlights the political and economic context surrounding this move, noting that while kei cars are affordable, the US auto market is dominated by much larger and more expensive vehicles, with an average new car price exceeding $50,000. The administration’s rollback of emissions standards has encouraged automakers to produce bigger, less efficient vehicles, contradicting affordability goals. Stellantis’ initiative to