Europe could have its own Kei-class cars to combat looming China threat

Smaller vehicles that do not need to meet the same safety requirements as existing cars could be Europe’s answer to maintaining its automotive industry.

Europe is looking to Japan for inspiration in a bid to protect itself from the influx of cheaper Chinese vehicles, and could have its own pint-sized vehicle class in a similar vein to Kei cars.

European Union (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen said in her latest State of the Union address the automotive industry is “a pillar of our economy and industry” and the coalition of nations will work on bringing cheap, locally made cars back to market.

“Millions of Europeans want to buy affordable European cars,” Von der Leyen said.

“So we should also invest in small, affordable vehicles. Both for the European market, but also to meet the surg