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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.
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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 surge in global demand.
“This is why we will propose to work with industry on a new Small Affordable Cars initiative.”
According to Autocar, executives from numerous brands including Renault and Stellantis have cited Japan’s Kei-class cars as the blueprint for Europe’s new vehicle segment, which would also operate under different safety standards.
In Japan, Kei cars are not only more affordable to purchase and produce, but owners also benefit from lower running costs when compared with full-sized options – making them a popular choice and accounting for nearly 40 per cent of overall sales last year.
However, restrictions are in place for cars to qualify as a Kei car, including size (less than 3400mm in length, 1480mm in width, and 2000mm in height) and engine displacement (660cc or less).
Due to being lightweight and less powerful – often topping out with a maximum 47kW output – Kei cars are also more efficient and less pollutant, but their unique characteristics make them more advantageous to use in dense cities.
Europe believes these same traits could work for its own spin on the recipe, which is being dubbed the ‘E-car’ segment, and could protect the market against Chinese rivals that are undercutting established brands and stealing sales.
“I believe Europe should have its own E-car,” Von der Leyen said.
“E for environmental – clean, efficient and lightweight. E for economical – affordable for people. E for European – built here in Europe, with European supply chains.
“Because we cannot let China and others conquer this market.”
E could also stand for electric, as Europe is already targeting an internal combustion engine (ICE) ban by 2035, though the decision is yet to be set in stone as debate is ongoing over the viability of such a move.
Either way, E-cars will likely have all-electric options, as already seen with Kei cars in Japan.
“No matter what, the future is electric,” Von der Leyen said.
“And Europe will be part of it.
“The future of cars – and the cars of the future – must be made in Europe.”
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
