It has been revealed that the Donald Trump administration plans to revitalise America’s former manufacturing heartland – the Rust Belt – with production of a new range of cars.

The new machines will, initially, be unique for sale in the domestic market.The cars will only have reverse gear.

“We have been going forward for long enough,” said an economic policy advisor at the campaign which swept failed steak salesman Donald Trump to the presidency. “It’s about time this country started going backwards for our own good.”

The thought behind the policy is that if there is no overseas market for the cars, major auto makers will see that it is cheaper to build in the US, rather than pay transport and import costs to bring their cars into the country from their factories around the world.

Though the first cars would be for US consumers the fledgling administration is hopeful that, as more manufacturers recognise the benefits of the move, exports can start to other countries.

“Our first target for exports would be the UK,” said the advisor, who wished to remain anonymous. “They have also expressed an interest in reversing progress this year.”