Daihatsu History

 

History of Daihatsu (Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.)

Founded: 1907

Founders: Masaburō Ōta & partners

Headquarters: Ikeda, Osaka, Japan

Parent Company: Toyota Motor Corporation (wholly owned)

Daihatsu is Japan’s oldest automobile manufacturer and a global specialist in small cars, kei cars, and compact SUVs.

Origins: Engine Manufacturing (1907–1930s)

Daihatsu began in 1907 as Hatsudoki Seizō Co., Ltd., focusing on:

Internal combustion engines

Industrial machinery

Power generators

At this stage, Daihatsu did not make cars. Its strength was small, efficient engines, which later defined its identity.

Entry into Vehicles (1930s–1950s)

Daihatsu moved into vehicle production before World War II:

1930: First three-wheeled vehicle (HA model)

Produced motorcycles, three-wheel trucks, and utility vehicles

These vehicles were cheap, reliable, and ideal for Japan’s narrow roads

After WWII, Daihatsu supported Japan’s rebuilding by supplying light commercial vehicles.

Post-War Growth & Kei Car Focus (1950s–1960s)

Japan introduced kei car regulations (small, tax-friendly vehicles). Daihatsu embraced this fully.

Key milestones:

1957: First passenger car, Daihatsu Midget

Specialized in mini trucks, vans, and city cars

Built a reputation for affordability and fuel efficiency

Daihatsu became a leader in urban mobility.

Global Expansion & Innovation (1970s–1980s)

Daihatsu expanded beyond Japan:

Exported cars to Asia, Europe, and developing markets

Known for durable, compact cars

Notable models:

Charade (popular worldwide)

Cuore / Mira

Hijet (mini truck & van)

During this period, Daihatsu focused on:

Lightweight engineering

Small-displacement engines

High fuel economy

Partnership with Toyota (1967–1998)

1967: Toyota acquired a stake in Daihatsu

Gradual increase in collaboration

Shared platforms, engines, and technology

In 1998, Toyota became the majority shareholder, strengthening Daihatsu’s global role.

100% Toyota Subsidiary (2016)

2016: Toyota made Daihatsu a wholly owned subsidiary

Daihatsu became Toyota’s core brand for:

Kei cars

Affordable small vehicles

Emerging markets (ASEAN, South Asia)

Modern Era: Compact Mobility Leader (2000s–Present)

Daihatsu today focuses on:

Kei cars in Japan

Compact SUVs and MPVs in global markets

Budget-friendly vehicles with Toyota quality standards

Popular modern models:

Mira

Move

Tanto

Rocky / Raize

Terios

Hijet

Ayla / Sigra (emerging markets)

Technology & Philosophy

Daihatsu’s philosophy is “Light, Small, Simple”:

Lightweight platforms

Efficient engines

Easy maintenance

Affordable pricing

It emphasizes practical innovation, not luxury or high performance.

Global Presence

Strong in Japan

Major player in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand

Vehicles often rebadged for Toyota in global markets

In Summary

Daihatsu evolved from an engine manufacturer into a global leader in small vehicles, becoming:

Japan’s kei car specialist

Toyota’s compact-car innovation hub

A key mobility brand for emerging market

Daihatsu specializes in kei cars, compact cars, small SUVs, MPVs, and light commercial vehicles, with strong focus on Japan and emerging markets. Many Daihatsu vehicles are also sold globally under Toyota badges.

1. Kei Cars (Japan) 🇯🇵

(Ultra-compact, tax-friendly vehicles)

Passenger Kei Cars

Mira / Cuore

Move

Move Canbus

Tanto

Tanto FunCross

Cast

Wake

Copen (kei roadster)

Hijet Cargo (passenger variants)

2. Compact Passenger Cars 🚗

Charade

Sirion / Boon

Yaris-based Daihatsu models (market-specific)

Trevis

Esse

Applause (historic but globally sold)

3. Compact SUVs & Crossovers 🚙

Rocky / Raize

Terios

Be-go

Taft

Feroza

Atrai (passenger van crossover)

4. MPVs & Family Cars 👨‍👩‍👧

Xenia

Sigra

Luxio

Gran Max (passenger)

5. Commercial Vehicles 🚚

Hijet Truck

Hijet Van

Gran Max (van & pickup)

Atrai Cargo

Midget (historic three-wheeler)

6. Sports & Specialty Models 🏁

Copen (modern & classic generations)

Charade GTti (historic performance model)

7. Global Market–Specific Models 🌍

(Often shared or rebadged with Toyota)

Ayla / Agya

Rocky (ASEAN & global)

Sigra

Xenia

Terios

Luxio

Gran Max

8. Engine & Industrial Products ⚙️

Small gasoline engines

Industrial power units

Components for Toyota compact vehicles

Daihatsu via Toyota (Rebadged Models)

Many Daihatsu vehicles are sold globally as:

Toyota Raize

Toyota Rush

Toyota Agya

Toyota Avanza

Toyota Pixis series (kei cars)

One-Line Summary

Daihatsu global products include:

Kei cars, compact hatchbacks, small SUVs, MPVs, light trucks, vans, specialty sports cars, and small engines—primarily for Japan and emerging markets.