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Daihatsu Midget X: a small electric LCV concept

Daihatsu is set to showcase several concept models at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, taking place at the end of this month.

One of the models on display will be the Midget X, a small electric vehicle designed for commercial use.

The exterior design of the Midget X serves as a reference and homage to the two previous generations of the Midget.

It features round LED headlights, a curved windshield, and exposed wheel designs.

In line with its nature as a workhorse, the rear of the Midget X can be fitted with various accessories, such as storage boxes, a flatbed, an open cargo area styled like a pickup, or a dedicated workspace.

Based on teaser videos, the Midget X can also be used as a weekend track car!

For now, the Daihatsu Midget X remains a concept vehicle, but it’s not impossible that it could also become a real production model.

NEWS

2025 Daihatsu Move – 7th generation officially launched in Japan

Here it is: the new generation of the popular kei car, the Daihatsu Move, which was supposed to be launched two years ago.

However, the launch was delayed due to a safety scandal involving the brand.

The 2025 Daihatsu Move is equipped with a 658 cc three-cylinder engine, available in two variants.

The naturally aspirated (NA) unit generates 51 hp at 6,900 rpm and 60 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm, while the turbocharged unit produces 63 hp at 6,400 rpm and 100 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm.

Unfortunately, there is no manual transmission option available; buyers can only choose the CVT gearbox, but with options for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD).

In terms of dimensions, the Move retains a length of 3,395 mm, but the wheelbase is now 5 mm longer at 2,460 mm.

It also now uses the DNGA platform (the same platform as the Hijet and Atrai), featuring a more modern and practical exterior design.

For instance, it has a neater headlight unit and grille, a sportier front bumper, and sliding rear passenger doors.

At the rear, the taillight housing is now smaller in size.

Inside the cabin, features include analog gauges with a MID screen in the center, a choice of 7, 9, or 10-inch infotainment screen, climate control with a digital screen, a wireless device charging slot, and several small storage compartments.

In Japan, buyers can choose from the Dandy Sport or Noble Chic exterior packages, as well as the Move RS variant (turbo engine) which adds a sport suspension package and 15-inch wheel designs.

The selling price starts from ¥1,358,500 (RM39,919) to ¥2,044,000 (RM60,108).

NEWS

Daihatsu announces leadership reshuffle following safety scandal

DAIHATSU Motor Co. Ltd, which has been embroiled in a safety test scandal since last year, has announced a new structure that will take over the company’s leadership effective March 1.

The new leadership structure will see Daihatsu’s current chairman, Sunao Matsubayashi, and its current president, Soichiro Okudaira, stepping down from their positions.

Matsubayashi will be replaced by Masahiro Inoue, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation in Latin America and the Caribbean, while Okudaira’s position will be taken over by Masanori Kuwata, the head of the Lexus International Co’s electrification promotion project.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Officer of Toyota Customer First Promotion, Keiko Yanagi, will replace Masahiro Yamamoto as a non-resident director of Daihatsu.

In a joint statement, Daihatsu and Toyota stated that they will implement comprehensive measures to prevent such manipulation from recurring and strive towards Daihatsu’s recovery.

“We would like to again offer our deepest apologies to our customers, suppliers, dealers, the communities in which our plants are located, and our many other stakeholders for the inconvenience and concern caused by the recent issue of certification irregularities.

“Although all plants of Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) in Japan suspended operations following our announcements made on December 20, we were able to resume production and shipments of some vehicles as of yesterday,” the company said.