The auto executives representing the Detroit Three stood in the Oval Office stone-faced, softly nodding as President Donald Trump proposed on Dec. 3 that they start thinking about making tiny, inexpensive cars for the U.S. market that are similar to ones popular in Japan.

It's an idea that likely will never happen, auto industry analysts said. In part, because it's been tried already and failed — U.S. car buyers prioritize utility over price. Plus, the cars Trump referred to would never withstand the safety standards needed to protect drivers on U.S. roads.

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