# Daihatsu Ownership and Global Manufacturing Footprint Explained Toyota's subsidiary manages specialized mini-vehicle production across Japanese and international manufacturing facilities. - **Source:** [SlashGear](https://www.slashgear.com) - **Published:** 2026-10-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cc4d7ec0-83f1-4c40-adea-8c7a09562976 ## Corporate Ownership Structure Daihatsu operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota. While the brand traces its origins to the 1907 engine manufacturer Hatsudoki Seizo, Toyota acquired a majority stake in 1998. By 2016, Toyota finalized the transition to sole ownership, integrating the brand into its broader global automotive portfolio and logistical network. ## Geographic Market Limitations Unlike many global automakers, Daihatsu maintains a highly concentrated market presence. The company focuses its new vehicle sales primarily on Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. While kei trucks like the HiJet are popular imports in the United States, the brand does not officially operate or sell new vehicles within the American market. ## Japanese Manufacturing Hubs The company maintains three primary production facilities within Japan. Two plants are located in Oita Prefecture, while the third is situated in Fukuoka. These facilities are responsible for the domestic output of the brand's signature mini-vehicles, including the HiJet truck, which remains a staple of their specialized Japanese lineup. ## Specialized Assembly Processes The Oita plants manage the comprehensive assembly process for HiJet vehicles. This includes critical manufacturing stages such as metal stamping, welding, interior assembly, and final painting. By centralizing these complex tasks, the Oita facilities ensure consistent quality control for the various configurations of vans and utility vehicles produced for domestic consumers. ## Engine Production Logistics Engine manufacturing is distinct from vehicle assembly, occurring at the Fukuoka factory, also known as the Karume Plant. This facility specializes in the casting and machining required for engine production. Once completed, these power units are integrated into the vehicles, demonstrating a clear division of labor within the company's domestic supply chain. ## Production Volume Efficiency Despite operating with a limited number of domestic plants, Daihatsu achieved a production output of 534,969 mini-vehicles for the Japanese market in 2025. This high level of operational efficiency is supported by the financial and logistical backing provided by Toyota, which enables the brand to maintain consistent manufacturing throughput despite its niche focus. ## Technical Vehicle Specifications The Daihatsu HiJet, updated in June 2026, offers significant mechanical flexibility to meet diverse user needs. Customers can choose between manual transmissions or CVTs, as well as turbocharged or naturally aspirated engines. Furthermore, the vehicle is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, catering to various professional and personal applications. ## International Production Strategy Daihatsu maintains a bifurcated manufacturing strategy to serve its regional markets. While Japanese factories are dedicated exclusively to domestic vehicle production, the company utilizes separate facilities in Malaysia and Indonesia to serve those specific regions. These international plants primarily focus on non-kei crossovers and sedans, reflecting the brand's localized market approach. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.slashgear.com/2286204/who-owns-daihatsu-where-mini-trucks-manufactured/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._