Daihatsu is a Japanese automobile manufacturer founded in 1907, making it one of Japan’s oldest car companies. Specializing in small cars and kei cars, Daihatsu became known for producing compact, efficient, and affordable vehicles. The brand gained international recognition for models such as the Charade, Rocky, and Terios, which blended practicality with reliability. In 1999, Daihatsu became a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota, strengthening its role as a leader in compact vehicles and small displacement engines. Today, Daihatsu continues to dominate the Japanese kei car segment while also contributing to Toyota’s global small-car strategy.

25 Daihatsu Questions

  • When was Daihatsu founded?

  • What makes Daihatsu one of Japan’s oldest automakers?

  • What role do kei cars play in Daihatsu’s lineup?

  • Why was the Daihatsu Charade important internationally?

  • How did the Daihatsu Rocky influence compact SUVs?

  • What features defined the Daihatsu Terios?

  • How does Daihatsu balance affordability and quality?

  • Why is Daihatsu popular in Southeast Asia?

  • How did Toyota’s acquisition affect Daihatsu?

  • What role does Daihatsu play in Toyota’s global strategy?

  • Why are Daihatsu kei cars successful in Japan?

  • How has Daihatsu’s design language evolved?

  • What innovations has Daihatsu introduced in small cars?

  • How reliable are Daihatsu vehicles considered?

  • What markets outside Japan did Daihatsu expand into?

  • Why did Daihatsu leave the European market?

  • What role does sustainability play in Daihatsu’s production?

  • How does Daihatsu compete with Suzuki in kei cars?

  • Why do collectors value older Daihatsu models?

  • How does Daihatsu approach electrification?

  • What technologies are used in Daihatsu’s small engines?

  • How important is fuel efficiency to Daihatsu’s identity?

  • What challenges has Daihatsu faced in global expansion?

  • How does Daihatsu maintain its reputation for practicality?

  • What does the future hold for Daihatsu in global markets?