Daihatsu launched renewed MOVE, one of its smallest, yet most powerful weapons. The MOVE has been popular in Japan since its initial launch in 1995.
Highlights of the MOVE:
Jul 24
Daihatsu announced that it will be releasing the LPG version of its popular mini off-roader Terios to some other markets as well. It is currently being sold solely in Italy. Currently we have no way of knowing about which markets are the lucky ones since the news source did not comment about it.
Let’s wait and see if your country will be among the lucky group.
Mar 30
No one knows what is the purpose of this mysterious Copen. Let’s call it Robo-Copen until we know more.
P.S: It is probably an electric prototype.
The electric version of Daihatsu Cuore/Mira (EV) has traveled 555.6 kilometers from Tokyo to Osaka, setting a new world record for the distance covered by an electric car on a single charge.
The car was developed by the Japan Electric Vehicle Club, a Tokyo based citizens’ group promoting the widespread use of electric cars.
Powered by 360 kilograms (8,320 cells) of Sanyo Electric Co.’s lithium ion batteries, the Mira EV, which departed Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district at 3 a.m. on Nov. 17, took two breaks on the way and crossed the finish line at Osaka’s Nipponbashi district at 4:26 p.m. the same day.
The achievement smashed the world record of 501 kilometers held by a U.S. firm, and it will be listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
“I am so excited to complete the whole distance,” said driver Tateuchi Tadashi, an automotive critic and group representative.
Nov 21
Turkey was one of the first countries which was introduced to the LPG version of the Terios which was named as TeriosEco. It seems that Daihatsu is getting ready to market it in almost all European Countries including Germany.
The 2010 model of the Terios with LPG drive and in combination with a 105 hp petrol engine adds an additional 2,750 euros (4,100 dollars) to the basic price of 16,500 euros (24,500 dollars). The 50-litre LPG tank is fitted in the boot.
The switch for petrol or LPG mode is fitted to the dashboard in the central console. The LPG tank has a range of 300 kilometres. Together with petrol mode the total range is 950 kilometres.
In Germany the average price for LPG is currently at 0.60 cents a litre (0.89 dollars) compared to the petrol price of 1.35 euros (2.01 dollars). Consumption in LPG mode is about a litre more per 100 kilometres than the listed consumption of 7.2/100 kilometres but carbon dioxide emissions are about 15 per cent lower. (dpa)
Source: Daihatsu Germany’s Press Release
Daihatsu’s new concept e:S will be presented at Tokyo Motor Show 2009. It can accomidate four adults despite its small appearance.
The use of lightweight materials limits the car’s weight a total of 700 kg. Under the hood, we find an engine fitted with a combustion control system, an EGR, and an idling stop system. The result: Ground braking 3.33 liters per 100 km.
Daihatsu plans to release a gasoline-powered minivehicle with fuel efficiency that’s comparable to hybrid cars as early as next year.
The model will be able to travel more than 30 kilometers per liter and have an engine that automatically shuts off when the vehicle stops. Daihatsu aims to price the vehicle at about $11,000.
According to The Green Car Web Site, Daihatsu admitted it was interested in the concept.
However, Toyota’s mini-car specialist admits there is a stumbling block to any progression in this area – namely that it would need to obtain the proper batteries.
The company’s president claimed that it is not efficient for Daihatsu to manufacture batters on its own, but if it can procure good batteries it may install them in its vehicles, depending on the battery quality.
By contrast, hybrid vehicles appear to be firmly off the manufacturer’s agenda with Minoura telling reporters that the company cannot equip its current mini vehicles with hybrid components as it would only add weight and not be eco-friendly as a whole.
Daihatsu dominated the list of most-fuel-efficient cars with its models; Mira, Move, Sonica, and Move Conte.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Transportation (MLIT), the top ten most fuel-efficient gasoline cars (in the light vehicles category) of 2008, are the following:
List excludes all MT vehicles.
