31/10/2019
The Genesis of Daihatsu: More Than Just a Name Change
The name Daihatsu is synonymous with compact, efficient, and often quirky vehicles, particularly within the Japanese domestic market and increasingly in other regions. However, the company's roots stretch back further than many might realise, beginning not with a four-wheeled passenger car, but with a more utilitarian form of motorised transport. While Daihatsu had been producing motorised tricycles for carrying freight since 1930, and even ventured into producing a small car for military use in 1937, it was the 'Bee' that marked their significant entry into the passenger car market for sale to the general public. This pivotal moment occurred in October 1951, a period of transition for the company, which soon after changed its name from 'Hatsudoki Seizo Co' to Daihatsu. The Bee, bearing the model code PCA, was a product of its time, reflecting innovative solutions to emerging transportation needs.
The Daihatsu Bee: A Pioneering, Yet Unsuccessful, Debut
The Daihatsu Bee was a distinctive vehicle, featuring a two-door fibreglass saloon body. Its design was particularly well-suited to its primary market, Japan, where regulatory favouritism for three-wheeled vehicles meant they incurred lower charges per mile compared to their four-wheeled counterparts. This made the Bee a popular choice for taxi services. Powering this innovative machine was a rear-mounted 540 cc OHV air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine. Notably, the Bee held the distinction of being the first car in Japan to feature a horizontally opposed engine, a testament to Daihatsu's engineering prowess. The vehicle itself was an adaptation of one of Daihatsu's existing three-wheeled delivery trucks, showcasing a pragmatic approach to product development. Despite its innovative features and market suitability, the Bee's commercial success was limited. The production process was highly labour-intensive, and ultimately, only approximately 300 units were ever built before production ceased. This early foray into passenger cars, while not a commercial triumph, laid the groundwork for future developments.
Daihatsu's Modern Portfolio: A Focus on Kei Cars and Beyond
Fast forward to the present day, and Daihatsu has carved out a significant niche, particularly with its extensive range of kei cars. These compact vehicles, defined by strict Japanese regulations regarding engine size, dimensions, and power output, are incredibly popular for their affordability, fuel efficiency, and manoeuvrability in urban environments. Daihatsu's current lineup showcases a diverse array of these vehicles, catering to various needs and preferences:
| Body Style | Model | Related Models | Introduction Year | Current Generation Update | Key Features & Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kei car | Atrai | Subaru Sambar Dias | 1981 | 2021 (S700/710) | Up-class version of the Hijet Cargo kei microvan. Primarily for Japan. |
| Kei car | Mira e:S | Toyota Pixis Epoch, Subaru Pleo Plus | 1980 (Mira) / 2011 (Mira e:S) | 2017 (LA350) | Entry-level, low-roof hatchback kei car with hinged rear doors. |
| Kei car | Move | Subaru Stella | 1995 | 2025 (LA850) | Tall-height wagon kei car with rear sliding doors. |
| Kei car | Move Canbus | - | 2016 | 2022 (LA850) | Retro-styled kei car with rear sliding doors. |
| Kei car | Taft | - | 1974 (nameplate) / 2020 (crossover) | 2020 (LA900) | Rugged crossover SUV-styled kei car. |
| Kei car | Tanto | Subaru Chiffon | 2003 | 2019 (LA650) / 2022 facelift | Tall-height wagon kei car with pillarless opening on one side. |
| Kei truck | Hijet | Toyota Pixis Van, Subaru Sambar Van | 1960 | 2021 (S700/710) | Mid-engined kei commercial microvan emphasizing cargo space. Rear-wheel-drive, AWD optional. For Japan. |
| Kei truck | Hijet Truck | Toyota Pixis Truck, Subaru Sambar Truck, Daihatsu Hi-Max (Indonesia) | 1960 | 2014 / 2021 (S700/710) | Cab-over kei pickup truck. Produced in Indonesia as Hi-Max with a larger engine. |
| Subcompact | Sirion | Perodua Myvi (Malaysia) | 1998 (nameplate) / 2007 (Myvi-based) | 2018 (M800) / 2022 facelift | Subcompact hatchback (B-segment), a rebadged Perodua Myvi. Primarily for Indonesia. |
| Subcompact | Luxio | - | 2009 | 2009 / 2014 facelift | Up-class version of the Gran Max for the Indonesian market. |
| Subcompact MPV | Thor | Toyota Roomy, Toyota Tank, Subaru Justy | 2016 | 2016 / 2020 facelift | Two-row boxy mini MPV with rear sliding doors. For Japan. |
| MPV | Xenia | Toyota Avanza, Toyota Veloz, Perodua Alza (Malaysia) | 2004 | 2021 (W100) | Three-row compact MPV for the Indonesian market. |
Beyond the ubiquitous kei cars, Daihatsu also offers subcompact hatchbacks like the Sirion (often a rebadged Perodua Myvi) and larger MPVs such as the Xenia (closely related to the Toyota Avanza) for markets like Indonesia. This demonstrates Daihatsu's ability to adapt its platform strategies to suit different market demands.
Daihatsu in the UK: A Shift in Strategy
For enthusiasts and owners in the United Kingdom, there has been a notable strategic shift. Daihatsu officially ceased sales of new motor cars across Europe, including the UK. This decision, while marking the end of an era for new Daihatsu vehicle purchases, has been met with reassurance for existing owners. The company has explicitly stated that all after-sales services will continue unaffected. This means that the supply of spare parts remains robust, and warranty work and servicing will still be carried out by the official UK dealer network. This commitment ensures that owners can continue to enjoy their Daihatsu vehicles with confidence, maintaining their value and usability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daihatsu
Q1: When did Daihatsu officially become a car manufacturer?
Daihatsu's first passenger car for sale to the public was the 'Bee', introduced in October 1951. Prior to this, they produced motorized tricycles and a small car for military use.
Q2: What type of cars does Daihatsu primarily make?
Daihatsu is best known for its range of kei cars, which are compact, fuel-efficient vehicles designed to meet Japanese regulations. They also produce subcompact cars and MPVs for specific markets.
Q3: Can I still get my Daihatsu serviced in the UK?
Yes. Although Daihatsu has ceased new car sales in Europe, the company guarantees that all after-sales services, including spare parts supply, warranty work, and servicing, will continue to be available through their official UK dealer network.
Daihatsu's journey from its early, experimental days to its current position as a specialist in compact and efficient vehicles is a compelling narrative in automotive history. While the landscape of the automotive industry is ever-changing, Daihatsu's commitment to its core principles and its dedicated customer base ensures its continued relevance.
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