History of Daihatsu (Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.)
Founded: 1907
Founders: MasaburΕ Εta & 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 SeizΕ 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) π―π΅
(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 π
Charade
Sirion / Boon
Yaris-based Daihatsu models (market-specific)
Trevis
Esse
Applause (historic but globally sold)
3. Compact SUVs & Crossovers π
Rocky / Raize
Terios
Be-go
Taft
Feroza
Atrai (passenger van crossover)
4. MPVs & Family Cars π¨π©π§
Xenia
Sigra
Luxio
Gran Max (passenger)
5. Commercial Vehicles π
Hijet Truck
Hijet Van
Gran Max (van & pickup)
Atrai Cargo
Midget (historic three-wheeler)
6. Sports & Specialty Models π
Copen (modern & classic generations)
Charade GTti (historic performance model)
7. Global Market–Specific Models π
(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.
