America is known as the land of big cars and even bigger SUVs but Donald Trump has an idea that could change that.

The president wants to bring to the US tiny vehicles, like those commonly seen on the streets of Japan, in the form of mini hatchbacks and vans half the size of a Ford F-150 pickup truck.

So-called Kei cars - short for kei-jidōsha, literally "light vehicle" - became popular in Japan after World War Two as an economical means of transport in its crowded cities. They have also become popular across Asia.

Despite Trump's enthusiasm for micro-cars, importers and drivers in the US aren't so sure they are a viable option in the vast country.

Among the obstacles are whether manufacturers can keep prices low, make the vehicles safe enough and if big-car-loving Americans can be convinced to downsize.