Daihatsu to increase production by 45%

[Bakemono]

http://www.nyse.com/interface/jsp/NH...sdowjones=true

Daihatsu Motor Co. (7262.TO) will boost production of small cars it makes for Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.TO) to about 420,000 units this fiscal year ending March, up about 45% from the previous year, a Daihatsu spokesman said Tuesday.
The Osaka-based automaker, a Toyota subsidiary specializing in compact cars, will begin manufacturing two additional models bearing the Toyota brand at its Kyoto plant.
Daihatsu currently produces six vehicles, including ones it jointly developed with Toyota and manufactures at its factories in Indonesia and Malaysia. They are sold under the Toyota brand as the Japanese automobile giant shifts its focus on global and hybrid models.

[ECHOKnight2000]

I knew about this company for awhile but didn't realize it was a division of Toyota, I know it hasn't always been that way...anyway I'm starting to take great interest in this company's cars namely cause their small and I think cool looking (IMO) as far as the current models go...sure their cars are "underpowered" and small for America tastes but I don't care! They get great gas mileage, better than most hybrids if not all. Does anyone know if they sell there trucks here? THe small delivery trucks? I know they don't sell any of the cars here (i'm guessing). Thanks for the link, its great to know they are doing well!.

[Bakemono]

I dont think you can buy a Daihatsu in the USA. You might be able to get one imported though.

[Driftern00b]

A friend of mine drove an old manual Daihatsu Rocky. It's like a mini 2-door Land Cruiser. It was the first Daihatsu I have seen and rode in the states.

[Geotpf]

Diahatsus were only sold in the US for two or three years in the 1980's. They sold poorly and the company pulled out of the US market. Toyota owns the majority of the company now, possibly all of it. They specialize in very small cars, especially keicars. They aren't certified to meet US safety or pollution standards and can not be imported legally into the US.

[Corona67]

Originally Posted by Geotpf

Diahatsus were only sold in the US for two or three years in the 1980's. They sold poorly and the company pulled out of the US market. Toyota owns the majority of the company now, possibly all of it. They specialize in very small cars, especially keicars. They aren't certified to meet US safety or pollution standards and can not be imported legally into the US.

All true, and it's a shame.

I remember a few people buying Daihatsu's while in the service in the 1980s. They all loved their inexpensive cars & were sad when Daihatsu left the country.

I think Daihatsu should engineer a US version of the Copen. With gas prices what they are, a tiny roadster keicar-style would sell in the bazillions over here now.

For those who've never seen the Copen, here's an AU article about it...

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring...s/1_07_dai.htm

I'd buy one because I'm over 6' tall, & I'd look like a Simpson's cartoon driving the thing around town!

C

[2wickedtoyz]

i used to have one of these babys i didn't know they were toyotas? and i didn't know they came turbo also. i do know they had good pick up to them especially out of a 1.0l 3cylinder motor. wow the gas i could be saving





68hp turbo motor wow

http://www.cars-directory.net/galler.../charade/1989/

[hiace24]

Daihatsu pulled out of australia quite recently but the remaining cars will be suppoted by toyota. I think that daihatsu is really meant for the japanese market because it is only in japan that such an undepowered car would be desirable Ie: the kei class where engine sizes do not exceed 6hundred somethin cc's. BTW a friend has a 3cyl turbo charade and it is f**king nuts, it is like a go-cart

[ECHOKnight2000]

The Copen is pretty nice nifty car...I just think some of there newer cars are cool and unqiue, they get great mpg, more than most if not all hybrids, abit small low horsepower engines but if I were rich I wouldn't care cause it would be part of my dream car garage, I would just have them to cruise around town.