Catalog / Daihatsu
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., a Japanese automaker known for its compact cars and off-road vehicles, has a rich history dating back to 1907. Originally established as an engine manufacturer, Daihatsu has evolved into a significant player in the global automotive industry, particularly in the realm of small, efficient vehicles.
The company's journey began when it was founded as Hatsudoki Seizo Co., Ltd., focusing on the production of internal combustion engines. Over the decades, it transitioned into automobile manufacturing, becoming a pioneer in compact and kei car segments.
Key milestones in Daihatsu's history include:
Throughout its history, Daihatsu has been at the forefront of compact car technology. The company's innovations have significantly influenced the automotive industry, particularly in the areas of fuel efficiency and space utilization. Some of Daihatsu's most notable contributions include:
Daihatsu's product range has traditionally covered a wide spectrum of compact vehicles, including:
While Daihatsu officially withdrew from the European market in 2013, its legacy continues through its influence on Toyota's compact car designs and its strong presence in Asian and other global markets. In Japan and Southeast Asia, Daihatsu remains a key player in the compact and kei car segments.
Under Toyota's full ownership, Daihatsu has further strengthened its position as a compact car specialist. The company continues to focus on developing vehicles that are well-suited to urban environments and emerging markets, where demand for affordable, efficient, and compact mobility solutions is high.
As the automotive industry moves towards electrification and increased urbanization, Daihatsu's expertise in small, efficient vehicles positions it well for the future. The company has been exploring electric and hybrid technologies, aiming to combine its traditional strengths in compact car design with cutting-edge powertrains.
From its beginnings as an engine manufacturer to its current status as a global compact car specialist, Daihatsu's story is one of innovation and adaptation. While its direct presence in some global markets has decreased, its influence on the design and engineering of small cars continues to be felt worldwide, ensuring its ongoing relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry.
As Daihatsu officially withdrew from the European market in 2013, current pricing information for new Daihatsu vehicles in Europe is not available. However, we can provide historical context and pricing information from when Daihatsu was active in the European market, as well as current pricing in other markets where Daihatsu still operates.
During its presence in Europe (up to 2013), Daihatsu car prices typically ranged from about €8,000 to €18,000, depending on the model and specifications. For example:
In current markets where Daihatsu is still active, such as Japan and Southeast Asia, prices vary significantly due to different tax structures and market conditions. In Japan, for instance, kei cars like the Daihatsu Move or Tanto typically range from ¥1,000,000 to ¥2,000,000 (approximately €6,000 to €12,000).
Factors that influenced Daihatsu's pricing included:
While new Daihatsu vehicles are no longer available in Europe, the brand's influence can still be seen in some of Toyota's compact models, which may offer similar characteristics to what Daihatsu provided in terms of size, efficiency, and pricing strategy.
When Daihatsu was active in the European market (until 2013), the cheapest Daihatsu car was typically the Daihatsu Cuore, a small city car known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. In the years leading up to Daihatsu's withdrawal from Europe, the base model Cuore was generally priced around €8,000 to €9,000.
The Cuore, also known as the Mira in some markets, offered several advantages despite its low price point:
Factors that could influence the final price of the Cuore included:
It's worth noting that in Japan and other Asian markets where Daihatsu still operates, the company continues to offer very affordable kei cars. For instance, in Japan, the cheapest Daihatsu models like the Mira e:S can start from around ¥850,000 (approximately €5,000), making them some of the most affordable new cars available.
While new Daihatsu vehicles are no longer sold in Europe, the legacy of their affordable small cars can be seen in the compact car offerings of other manufacturers, including Toyota, which now fully owns Daihatsu.
When Daihatsu was active in the European market (until 2013), the most expensive model in their lineup was typically a fully-loaded version of the Daihatsu Terios, their compact SUV. In the years leading up to Daihatsu's withdrawal from Europe, a top-spec Terios could be priced around €18,000 to €20,000.
The Terios, known for its compact size yet genuine off-road capability, represented the premium end of Daihatsu's range. Factors that contributed to its higher price point included:
Other Daihatsu models that could approach the Terios in price included:
It's important to note that even at its most expensive, Daihatsu vehicles were positioned as value propositions compared to similar-sized vehicles from other manufacturers. The pricing reflected Daihatsu's strategy of offering practical, efficient vehicles with a focus on affordability.
In current markets where Daihatsu operates, such as Japan and Southeast Asia, their most expensive models are still typically compact SUVs or specialty vehicles. For example, in Japan, a high-end kei car like the Daihatsu Taft in its top specification can cost around ¥2,000,000 to ¥2,500,000 (approximately €12,000 to €15,000).
While Daihatsu no longer sells new vehicles in Europe, their influence can still be seen in some of Toyota's compact models, which may offer similar characteristics in terms of size, efficiency, and value-oriented pricing.
