The Topolino is a model classified as an “electric four-wheeler” rather than a regular car, with a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour.
The announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump praised Japan’s compact cars as “small and cute” during a meeting with Stellantis CEO, U.S. lawmakers and auto industry officials at the White House last week. Trump reportedly ordered the transportation minister to consider easing related regulations, saying, “It would be nice if the U.S. also introduced such a small vehicle.”
However, Stellantis explained that the plan to launch Topolino is not directly related to Trump’s remarks and is an extension of the existing strategy that has confirmed customer reactions at U.S. auto shows. Topolino, which means “small mouse” in Italian, can travel up to 75km per charge and is produced in Morocco.
Traditionally, demand for ultra-small cars is not high in the United States. Fiat re-entered the U.S. market in 2011 with a small model, but its first-year sales of more than 40,000 units fell to about 1,500 units last year.
SAM KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
