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.

volkswagen VW history

 

History of Volkswagen (Volkswagen AG)

Founded: 1937

Founder (concept): Ferdinand Porsche

Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Germany

Name meaning: Volkswagen = “People’s Car”

Volkswagen is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, with a history shaped by engineering ambition, war, recovery, global expansion, and electrification.

Origins: The “People’s Car” Idea (1930s)

In the early 1930s, Germany wanted an affordable car for ordinary citizens. Ferdinand Porsche, an Austrian engineer, was tasked with designing a simple, reliable, low-cost vehicle.

Requirements: affordable, fuel-efficient, able to carry a family, and easy to maintain

Result: the prototype that became the Volkswagen Beetle

In 1937, Volkswagenwerk GmbH was established, and a new factory was built in Wolfsburg.

World War II Period (1939–1945)

Civilian car production stopped during World War II.

Factory produced military vehicles (Kübelwagen, Schwimmwagen)

Heavy damage to the Wolfsburg plant

Volkswagen’s future was uncertain after the war

Post-War Revival & Beetle Success (1945–1960s)

After WWII, the British military administration restarted the factory.

The Beetle entered mass production

Simple design + reliability = global success

Became a symbol of German industrial recovery

Key milestones:

Exported worldwide (Europe, USA, Latin America)

By the 1960s, the Beetle was the best-selling car in the world

Expansion & Brand Growth (1960s–1970s)

Volkswagen diversified beyond the Beetle:

Acquired Auto Union (Audi) in the 1960s

Introduced modern front-engine, front-wheel-drive cars

Important models:

Volkswagen Golf (1974) – replaced the Beetle as VW’s core model

Passat

Polo

The Golf became one of the best-selling cars of all time.

Globalization & Group Formation (1980s–1990s)

Volkswagen transformed into a global automotive group.

Acquisitions and expansion:

SEAT (Spain)

Škoda (Czech Republic)

Strengthened Audi as a premium brand

VW built factories across:

Europe

North & South America

China (major growth market)

Premium & Luxury Expansion (2000s)

Volkswagen entered the high-end and performance segments.

Group brands expanded to include:

Bentley

Bugatti

Lamborghini

Porsche (later fully integrated)

Scania & MAN (commercial vehicles)

Volkswagen became one of the top three global automakers by volume.

Diesel Crisis & Transformation (2015)

In 2015, Volkswagen faced a major scandal involving diesel emissions software.

Impact:

Billions in fines and recalls

Damage to brand reputation

Triggered a strategic shift

This moment reshaped Volkswagen’s future.

Electrification & Digital Era (2016–Present)

Volkswagen committed heavily to electric mobility.

Key initiatives:

ID. series (ID.3, ID.4, ID. Buzz)

Massive investment in EV platforms (MEB)

Battery plants and software development

Goal of carbon neutrality by 2050

Volkswagen aims to lead the global transition to electric and sustainable mobility.

Volkswagen Philosophy

Volkswagen stands for:

Engineering for the masses

Safety, reliability, and practicality

Continuous reinvention

Its core mission remains:

Mobility for everyone

In Summary

Volkswagen’s journey spans:

A political vision for a “people’s car”

Survival after war

Iconic global models (Beetle, Golf)

Creation of a massive multi-brand automotive group

Reinvention through electrification

Today, Volkswagen is not just a carmaker—but one of the most influential mobility groups in the world.

Structured list of products sold under the Volkswagen (VW) brand worldwide, covering past and present passenger and commercial vehicles.

(This is Volkswagen brand only — not Audi, Porsche, Škoda, etc.)

1. Passenger Cars 🚗

Hatchbacks

Beetle (classic & New Beetle)

Golf (Mk1–Mk8, incl. GTI, GTD, GTE, R)

Polo

Lupo

Up!

Fox

ID.3 (electric)

Sedans & Saloons

Passat

Jetta / Vento

Arteon

Phaeton

Bora

Santana

Virtus

Lavida (China)

Sagitar (China)

Ameo (discontinued)

Wagons / Estates

Passat Variant

Golf Variant

Arteon Shooting Brake

2. SUVs & Crossovers 🚙

Compact & Mid-Size SUVs

Tiguan

Tiguan Allspace

Taos

T-Roc

T-Cross

Tharu

Atlas / Teramont

Touareg

Nivus

Taigo

Electric SUVs (ID Family)

ID.4

ID.5

ID.6 (China)

ID. Buzz (passenger)

3. Electric Vehicles (ID Series) ⚡

ID.3

ID.4

ID.5

ID.6

ID.7

ID. Buzz

e-Up!

e-Golf

4. MPVs / Vans 🚐

Passenger Vans

Touran

Sharan

Caravelle

Multivan

ID. Buzz

5. Commercial Vehicles 🛻

(Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles division)

Pickups

Amarok

Saveiro

Vans & Cargo Vehicles

Caddy

Transporter (T1–T7)

Crafter

LT

Kombi

6. Performance & Motorsport Models 🏁

Golf GTI

Golf R

Polo GTI

Arteon R

Beetle RSI

ID.R (electric race car)

7. Market-Specific / Regional Models 🌍

Gol (Latin America)

Voyage

Parati

Santana

Lavida / Sagitar (China)

Virtus / Taigun (India, South America)

8. Concept & Historic Models (Selected)

Kübelwagen

Schwimmwagen

XL1

ID. concept series

Microbus (classic)

One-Line Summary

Volkswagen products globally include:

Hatchbacks, sedans, wagons, SUVs, electric vehicles, MPVs, vans, pickups, performance cars, and commercial vehicles.