Daihatsu

Year of foundation 1953

Daihatsu's history is one of the longest and most fascinating in the Japanese automotive industry, specializing since its inception in the production of compact and reliable vehicles.

The Origins (1907-1951)

1907: The story begins with the founding of Hatsudoki Seizo Co., Ltd. in Osaka, Japan. The company initially focused on the production of internal combustion engines for industry, not for automobiles.

1930: The first three-wheeled vehicle, the "Type HA," is produced, marking the first step towards the automotive sector.

1951: The company changes its name to Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. The name "Daihatsu" comes from the combination of the first character (kanji) of "Osaka" (大, pronounced "dai") and "Hatsudoki Seizo" (発動機製造, "engine manufacturing"). Literally, "Dai-hatsu" means "Engine Production from Osaka."

The Compact Vehicle Era (1957–1980)

1957: The Midget model is launched, a small three-wheeled vehicle that becomes an icon of light commercial transportation in Japan thanks to its agility and low cost.

1960s: Daihatsu expands its range with the introduction of more conventional automobiles, such as the Compagno, the company's first passenger car.

1967: The collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation begins, which acquires a stake in the company. This agreement will shape Daihatsu's destiny for the following decades.

1970s: The range was expanded with models such as the Taft compact off-road vehicle (1974), the forerunner of the brand's lightweight 4x4 series, and the Charade (1977), a small car that achieved great international success and introduced the 3-cylinder engine concept, which became a Daihatsu trademark.

International Expansion and the Era of Collaboration (1980-2010)

1980s: Daihatsu consolidated its presence in international markets, exporting vehicles to over 140 countries. The Charade was successfully sold in many markets, including the United States for a short time.

There's a lot of Italy in Daihatsu: During these years, Daihatsu entered into important agreements with Italian automakers. It supplied the Charade's 1,000 cc engine to Innocenti for the MiniTre, and collaborated with Piaggio on the production of the Porter van, derived from the Hijet, the first Japanese vehicle to be produced in Italy.

1999: Toyota increases its stake in Daihatsu, becoming the majority shareholder. The company continues to specialize in the production of kei cars (subcompact cars for the Japanese market) and small-displacement vehicles, often using platforms and technologies shared with Toyota.

The new millennium and the end of exports to Europe

2000s: Daihatsu continues to launch successful models, such as the Sirion, Cuore, and Terios, appreciated for their compactness, reliability, and fuel economy. The Terios in particular becomes known as a versatile small SUV, while the Cuore holds the title of "the world's smallest five-door."

2013: Due to various factors, including a sharp decline in sales and the devaluation of the yen, Daihatsu makes the difficult decision to withdraw from the European market.

2016: Toyota acquires 100% of Daihatsu, which becomes its full subsidiary.

Today, Daihatsu continues to operate as a specialty brand within the Toyota Group, focusing primarily on the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets, where compact, efficient vehicles continue to enjoy great popularity.