Toyota Australia sees Daihatsu as a potential contender against Chinese brands in the future

The Future of Daihatsu in Australia

Despite recent strategic changes within the Toyota Motor Group, the budget-friendly Daihatsu brand is not set to make a return to the Australian market anytime soon. The brand, known for its small and affordable models, was one of five auto brands under the Toyota Motor Group umbrella that saw some reshuffling as part of a new strategy.

At the recent Japan Mobility Show (JMS), Daihatsu showcased its latest offering, the ‘K-Open’, a successor to the popular Copen convertible. While the brand has a strong presence in Japan and Southeast Asia, there are currently no plans for Daihatsu to re-enter the Australian market.

Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, expressed that while Daihatsu’s comeback is not on the immediate product plan, it remains a potential opportunity in the future. He highlighted the flexibility of being part of a global car company, allowing for the exploration of new market ventures.

Daihatsu, which ceased operations in Australia in 2005, has a rich history in the country dating back to 1975. The brand, known for models like the Mira, Charade, Copen, Rocky, and Feroza, was under Toyota Australia’s distribution until its closure in 2005.

With Toyota’s majority stake acquisition of Daihatsu in 1998 and full ownership in 2016, the brand has been primarily focused on the Asian market, particularly in Japan and Southeast Asia. Despite the potential for Daihatsu to offer more affordable options to counter Chinese brands, there are currently no concrete plans for its return to Australia.

While the global role of Daihatsu has diminished over the years, with exits from the US, UK, and Europe, the brand continues to produce right-hand drive models for its core markets. The possibility of Daihatsu expanding its reach to Australia remains uncertain, with Toyota prioritizing its existing lineup of brands.

As the automotive landscape evolves, the potential for Daihatsu’s return to Australia is a topic of interest. While there are no immediate plans, the diverse offerings within the Toyota Motor Group provide a promising outlook for the future.

For more information on Toyota’s current lineup and offerings, explore the Toyota showroom for the latest updates and models.