Are you a motorhead with a particular fancy for Japanese motors yet somewhat in the dark about Daihatsu? We’ve all stumbled down this familiar alley at some point. You may be surprised that Daihatsu ranks among Japan’s oldest surviving internal combustion engine manufacturers.
This blog post will whisk you off on an exhilarating ride through the history, vehicle models, global presence, and plans of this automotive heavyweight known for its compact cars.
Table of Contents
History and Company Overview
Daihatsu Motor is a Japanese automobile manufacturer within the Toyota Group, specialising in compact cars and mini vehicles. Founded in 1951 as a successor to Hatsudoki Seizo Co. Ltd, Daihatsu has a rich history dating back over a century to its founding in 1907.
Name and Logo
Daihatsu took its name and first used it in 1930. The brand name shows real strength and reliability. These ideas are also part of the Daihatsu logo on their cars today. Look closely, and you’ll find a stylised drawing of Osaka Castle within this logo.
The castle picture tells us about the company’s design and engineering skills! It is used not only for vehicles but also for the corporate logo.
Company Timeline
Here’s a brief outline of the brand’s timeline:
- Hatsudoki Seizo, which later became Daihatsu, made the first Japanese automotive three-wheeled vehicle in 1930.
- The business took on a new name in 1951 and transformed into Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
- In 1963, we saw the rise of the Daihatsu Compagno. This car offered multiple styles on a single platform.
- A Low-cost Vehicle Review Committee was set up by Daihatsu in 1993. It aimed at creating cars that were easy on pockets yet high on features.
- In August 2016, the car brand had an exciting development. Toyota Motor Corporation bought all of the shares and became a wholly-owned subsidiary under Toyota.
Export Markets
- In 1953, Daihatsu made a bold move. They sent their first export to an overseas market.
- Soon, they started sending completed cars abroad and setting up local car-building factories overseas.
- By 1980, half a million cars had reached foreign shores.
- Now, Daihatsu cars are available in over 120 nations worldwide. This is an actual global expansion!
- Toyota and Daihatsu merged in 2016. Both companies wanted to improve small cars and increase their sales.
- To make this happen, Daihatsu teamed up with another friend – Toyota Tsusho. Together, they built cars in Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Daihatsu Vehicles
The car brand produces a range of vehicles, including current production models, former models, and concept vehicles.
Current Production Vehicles
The company’s current line-up is a testament to its expertise in manufacturing top-quality compact and efficient vehicles. Here’s a look at their current production vehicles:
| Model | Type |
|---|---|
| Move Canbus | Kei Car |
| Tanto | Kei Car |
| Wake | Kei Car |
| Copen | Two-seater front-wheel-drive convertible sports car |
| Hijet Cargo | Microvan |
The Copen, a two-seater convertible sports car, showcases Daihatsu’s creativity and innovation in the kei car category. On the other hand, the Hijet Cargo represents the company’s prowess in producing efficient and reliable commercial vehicles. This up-class version of their famous microvan is a staple on streets worldwide.
The company’s kei cars, such as the Move Canbus, Tanto, and the Wake, demonstrate their mastery in manufacturing compact vehicles that deliver impressive performance and fuel efficiency. These vehicles represent the company’s commitment to providing practical and stylish mobility solutions to its worldwide customer base.
Former Production Vehicles
The company has a wide range of interesting vehicles, particularly their former production vehicles. These include commercial vehicles like the Charade Van, Charmant Van, Compagno Van/Truck, and FA pickup trucks.
Now, let’s look at some of these former production vehicles that have made history in the automotive world.
| Vehicle Name | Production Year | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|
| Charade Van | 1977-2000 | Commercial Van |
| Charmant Van | 1981-1987 | Commercial Van |
| Compagno Van/Truck | 1963-1970 | Commercial Van/Truck |
| FA pickup truck | 1951-1975 | Pickup Truck |
| Daihatsu Midget | 1957-1972 | Three-wheel pickup truck |
| Daihatsu Taft | 1974-1984 | Off-road vehicle |
These vehicles, from commercial vans to off-road vehicles and three-wheel trucks, played a significant part in cementing the company’s reputation as a versatile and reliable manufacturer. The company’s range of former production vehicles encapsulates its diversity and innovation.
Concept Vehicles
Daihatsu’s concept cars are a creative and innovative showcase of the company’s future vision in automobile design and technology. From practical mini cars to electric possibilities, they are not afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive world.
| Concept Car | Description |
|---|---|
| A-Concept | A compact car concept that embodies their vision for easy handling and tight turns. |
| ai | A unique concept car designed with a focus on accommodating wheelchairs, making it a practical solution for those with mobility issues. |
| Akindo | This concept vehicle is designed with a blend of retro and modern aesthetics, demonstrating the breadth of its design capabilities. |
| AS-2 | Produced in Indonesia, the Vizion-F concept explores electrification possibilities in future vehicle lineup. |
| Ayla GT | Another creatively designed concept car is the AS-2, which showcases their innovative approach to automobile design. |
| Ayla GT2 | The successor to the Ayla GT, the GT2 continues the sporty theme with an even more dynamic design and performance enhancements. |
| Ayla Luxury | As the name suggests, the Ayla Luxury concept car brings a touch of luxury and refinement to the compact car market. |
| Ayla Turbo | The Ayla Turbo concept car is a high-performance compact car designed for car lovers who crave speed and power in a small package. |
| Vizion-F | Produced in Indonesia, the Vizion-F concept explores electrification possibilities in the brand’s future vehicle line-up. |
| WakuWaku Tiny Crossover | Demonstrating that practical vehicles can be small, the WakuWaku Tiny Crossover concept car is a testament to the brand’s innovative approach to car design. |
These are just a few examples of Daihatsu’s creative and forward-thinking approach to vehicle design. Each concept car represents a step towards the future, opening up exciting possibilities for the next generation of vehicles.
Daihatsu’s Electric and Hybrid Offerings
Daihatsu offers a range of electric and hybrid vehicles, perfect for eco-conscious car enthusiasts.
Electrics and Hybrids Produced by Daihatsu
Daihatsu has made great cars that use less fuel and are better for the earth. Let’s look at their electric and hybrid vehicles.
- They started working on electric cars in the 1970s.
- The new Rocky model uses a unique system called a series hybrid system.
- The company joined hands with Toyota to make an even better hybrid system.
- They know that high-price hybrids can scare people away, so they are careful.
- With help from Toyota, they plan to offer more hybrid options.
- Cars from China that run on electricity could be a problem for Daihatsu, but they have plans to deal with this.
- Together with Suzuki and Toyota, they have developed some small van prototypes that run on electricity, too.
Daihatsu in the Global Market
The company has a strong presence in Asia and Oceania, with its vehicles being popular choices in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia.
Presence in Asia and Oceania
Daihatsu has a strong presence in Asia and Oceania, with significant operations in Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Daihatsu focuses on rolling out its e:S technologies in these markets, prioritising fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness.
In Malaysia, the company, in particular, partners with local automaker Perodua, which holds the largest share of the local auto market. This collaboration allows both companies to leverage their strengths and provide high-quality vehicles to Malaysian consumers.
It’s also an important player in Toyota’s overseas expansion efforts, and it has a long history and a strong presence in Southeast Asia.
Presence in the Americas
Daihatsu has made a strong presence in the Americas, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. Since 1958, Daihatsu has been part of the trade industry in this country. The Daihatsu Mark I Midget, a popular choice for market tradespeople, was introduced to Trinidad and Tobago that same year.
In the United States, the company had two models: the Rocky and the Charade. These models were offered briefly but managed to capture consumer demand. Although specific sales figures are not available, it is clear that their product offerings found popularity in these markets.
Presence in Europe
The car brand had a limited presence in Europe compared to its focus on countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. They faced barriers in countries such as France and Spain, which affected their sales.
In 2011, the company decided to exit the European market due to declining sales and profit erosion. However, during its time in Europe, it sold models like Rocky. Sales statistics from 2000 to 2017 and 2014 to 2018 show how they performed compared to other European auto brands.
Presence in Africa
Daihatsu is currently expanding its presence in Africa. Although the company’s primary focus has been on markets in Asia and Oceania, it recognises the potential of the African market for growth and development.
With its manufacturing, research, and development expertise, Daihatsu aims to bring its high-quality vehicles to African consumers.
Daihatsu is exploring opportunities for local production and market penetration to establish a foothold in Africa. By setting up manufacturing facilities within the continent, the company can cater directly to the needs of African customers while also creating job opportunities in these regions.
This regional expansion benefits Daihatsu and contributes to economic growth and technological advancements in Africa.
Daihatsu is further strengthening its presence in Africa through strategic partnerships with local distributors and dealerships. These alliances enable the company to better understand the preferences and demands of African car buyers, allowing it to tailor its products accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Daihatsu Motor is a renowned Japanese automobile manufacturer known for its compact cars and mini vehicles. With a history of over a century, it has established itself as one of Japan’s oldest internal combustion engine manufacturers.
As part of the Toyota Group, Daihatsu continues to innovate and offer a wide range of models for different markets worldwide.
