Toyota to Build New Scion Ultra-Compact Pickup Truck in Indiana Starting in 2027

Toyota announced a $34 million investment in its Princeton, Indiana, facility to add a new production line dedicated to manufacturing the KEI-01, an ultra-compact utility pickup truck that will mark the relaunch of the Scion brand under the name Scion by Toyota.

Production of the new vehicle is expected to begin in the second half of 2027 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, located in Gibson County. The project includes the creation of approximately 50 new jobs, along with upgrades to the plant’s production and logistics infrastructure.

The investment will establish new assembly operations and modernize the production and logistics infrastructure required to manufacture the KEI-01. Indiana Governor Mike Braun highlighted the project’s importance to the state’s automotive industry and its potential to create new jobs.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana is celebrating three decades of operations this year. Since beginning operations, the company has invested more than $8 billion in its Princeton facility, which employs approximately 8,000 people. The plant currently manufactures three Toyota models and one Lexus vehicle.

Toyota Bets on an Ultra-Compact Pickup Truck With the KEI-01

The KEI-01 will be the first vehicle under the revived Scion brand, a nameplate that debuted in 2003 and was discontinued a decade later. The KEI-01 is a utility pickup inspired by Japan’s popular kei trucks, known for their compact dimensions, efficiency, and versatility. Its introduction marks a fresh start for the Scion lineup.

According to Toyota, the model will feature a 660cc three-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and four-wheel drive. The vehicle will also have right-hand drive and will be designed to comply with U.S. Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) regulations, with a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h).

Toyota aims to offer a more affordable and compact alternative to traditional pickup trucks, targeting customers who need a practical vehicle for commercial, work-related, and recreational activities.

Potential customers include:

• Small business owners.
• Farmers and ranchers.
• Municipalities, universities, and companies looking for efficient fleet vehicles.
• Delivery companies and service providers operating in urban areas.
• Outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to the KEI-01, Toyota unveiled two other concepts: the SxS and the BKE, both part of the company’s vision for developing new transportation solutions.

“The future of mobility will not be defined by a single vehicle, a single technology, or a single way of thinking,” said Simon Humphries, Toyota Motor Corporation’s Chief Branding Officer and Chief Design Officer.

The Japanese automaker aims to revive the Scion by Toyota name through a new initiative focused on exploring alternative mobility solutions and vehicle concepts beyond traditional models.

New Scion Pickup Truck to Launch Through a Pilot Program

Toyota announced that the KEI-01 will initially be introduced through a pilot program targeting fleet customers. This first phase will allow the company to evaluate market interest and the vehicle’s commercial potential. Depending on consumer demand and market conditions, Toyota will consider expanding availability through limited retail sales.

Although pricing and a specific sales launch date have not yet been announced, production of the KEI-01 is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027.

With this project, Toyota aims to bring a vehicle inspired by Japanese kei trucks to the U.S. market while reviving the Scion name with a new focus on compact, utility-oriented mobility.