Slogan: We make it Compact
One of the largest Japanese car manufacturers. Basically, these are mini-displacement models. Compact minivans, pickup trucks and SUVs are also produced. This technique is known and respected all over the world. Sometimes Daihatsu called "a big manufacturer of small cars". Since 1967 the company has been owned Toyota Motor Corporation.
Daihatsu is one of the oldest car manufacturers in Japan. It all started back in 1907, when a company appeared in Osaka Hatsudoki Seizo Co.,Ltd. Основала ее группа профессоров Осакского университета. Изначально компания занималась производством двигателей внутреннего сгорания — выпускались двигатели, работающие на природном газе. Позже появились и вариации на бензиновые темы. Спектр их применения был широк — от наземного до водного транспорта.
This went on for 23 years. In 1930, a solemn event took place - the company introduced its first vehicle. It is difficult to call this small three-wheeled miracle a car. But the three-wheeled design gave two important advantages - low cost and relative simplicity. Yes, and the tax on such decisions was smaller. Compact creations Hatsudoki Seizo great for maneuvering through the narrow streets of Japanese cities. The expansion of the model range begins, the first compact trucks appear. However, it was rather difficult to sell them due to the undeveloped infrastructure. So the military became the main customers. In those years, Japan followed the path of militarism, as a result, there were so many orders that soon Hatsudoki Seizo I had to start building an additional plant. An attempt was made to create a four-wheeled car, which did not have much success - in April 1937, the FA model appeared, which few people know about now. But it was the first fully Japanese compact car.
After the defeat of Japan in World War II, the company could not recover for quite a long time. Production was produced, but quite sluggishly. The state of affairs again helped to correct the war. This time in Korea. Engines, as well as inexpensive and simple three-wheeled trucks Daihatsu were in great demand there.
By the beginning of the 50s Hatsudoki Seizo already fully recovered and decided to try to engage in the production of products for export. To begin with, the name was changed so that foreigners would not break their tongues. So it appeared in 1951 Daihatsu Kogyo Co.. Those years were marked by the appearance of such unusual models as the Daihatsu Bee. According to information from some sources, these cars have been used as taxis for quite a long time.
 |
| Daihatsu Bee (1951) |
In 1957, the export of a miniature three-wheeled Midget truck (a vehicle that looks more like a large motor scooter) begins. This model managed to gain popularity even in the USA. It was a real achievement. In 1958, the company's first four-wheel truck appears. Again, small. And this model expected success.
Things have gone. Various models begin to appear one after another. There are compact passenger cars, vans, trucks. The company, the first in Japan, begins to experiment with electric motors - this is how the Hijet Truck EV electric truck appears (although they did not dare to start mass production).
One of the milestones in history Daihatsu Motor Co.. 1967 is considered to be the year when a cooperation agreement was signed with Toyota Motor Co.,Ltd. and Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd., from which in the future will be born Toyota Motor Corporation. This agreement actually meant the departure of the first into submission to the second.
In 1974 the company changed its name to Daihatsu Motor Company, which is still in use today.
The further history of the company is the history of the model range, successful and not very successful. Cars Daihatsu, among which there are many compact and affordable, are gradually conquering the whole world. Thus, the Charade model received the title in Japan "1977 Car of the Year". And the 80s were marked by the final conquest of the United States. To date Daihatsu sold in more than 120 countries around the world. Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. owns many subsidiaries such as Daihatsu America, Inc.; Daihatsu Auto Body Co., Ltd.; Daihatsu Transportation Co., Ltd.; Daihatsu Metal Industry Co., Ltd. other.
