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Daihatsu stops European sales

Japanese maker pulls out of European market – for now.

Daihatsu stops European sales

17th January 2011

City car specialist Daihatsu is pulling out of the UK. Bosses say the ‘handful’ of remaining imports will be the last, at least until the exchange rate with the Japanese yen improves.

The brand is a firm favourite with Auto Express readers, finishing fourth in the Driver Power 2010 survey. However, Daihatsu’s 90 dealers sold only 170 cars in the UK last year as stocks were run down – fewer than two per showroom! That’s compared to 2,306 in 2009 and 4,841 in 2008.

“Because of the value of the pound against the yen, we are unable to bring new product in,” said UK operations director Paul Hegarty. However, reports from Germany suggest the firm – majority owned by Toyota – will exit Europe for good from the end of next year. 

Daihatsu became the first Japanese maker to sell cars in the UK in 1966. 

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3 Comments

Shame

They may not always have been the best cars in their respective classes, but Daihatsus have always been interesting, offering a slightly left-field choice with the advantage of Japanese reliability.
I can appreciate that the exchange rate doesn't help sales, but it will be a shame to lose Daihatsu from the European market altogether.
Given the inevitable disappearance of the dealer network, will Toyota franchises now pick up the servicing responsibilities?

By snappyuk on 18 January, 2011, 8:12am

Dai a bollical

Maybe on their return, they might produce a car that doesn't make me laugh!
I think in a previous life their designer worked for London Brick!

By toycollector on 18 January, 2011, 5:54pm

Really Love to see Diahatsu Vans Return

My partner bought 2 diatsu vans for pizza delivery years ago, fantastic little runabout vans, silly little engine under load area, clutches only lasted 20K miles and not as economical as claimed. I replaced with Metro vans which were far better really. Now I wish I could buy one as they were great idea for carrying a mobility scooter, fit down my narrow driveway and high forward control seating so easy to get in and out with arthritis problems, one with side windows would be great for doing my under 1500 miles a year. Even my Peugeot 1.4 HDi has poor fuel economy due to having to thrash it to keep EGR valve & CAT from sooting up on all short runs otherwise it fails smoke test, I am waiting for my dealer to find a bipper tepee to check out but still would love the old Diahatsu van for my task.

By Contax on 19 January, 2011, 5:40pm

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