Daihatsu Logo
Daihatsu, a Japanese automaker, primarily focuses on crafting compact and mini vehicles. Currently, the brand is a pioneer in the kei car market within Japan. Moreover, they’ve extended their footprint in various Asian markets, showcasing their prowess in producing small, efficient cars tailored for urban landscapes. As a significant revelation, Toyota Motor Corporation holds a controlling stake in Daihatsu, underscoring a partnership that leverages shared knowledge and resources. Together, they aim to revolutionize mobility, adapting to the modern demands of eco-friendly and space-conscious transport solutions.
Meaning and history
Daihatsu’s roots trace back to 1907, when it was originally named Hatsudoki Seizo Co., Ltd. Born in Osaka, Japan, it began by manufacturing internal combustion engines. The company’s name “Daihatsu” emerged from a combination of the first kanji character for Osaka and “hatsu,” meaning first.
The 1930s saw the company venturing into car manufacturing, introducing the first three-wheeled vehicle in Japan. Post-World War II, the focus shifted to meet the rising demand for smaller, more affordable cars, marking the birth of their legendary kei cars.
In the 1960s, Daihatsu made its entry into the European market, which later expanded to other parts of the world. By the 1980s, Daihatsu carved a niche for itself, known for its durable compact cars and off-road vehicles.
A significant turning point was in 1967 when Toyota Motor Corporation became a major shareholder. Over the years, Toyota’s stake grew, culminating in a full acquisition in 2016. This transformation made Daihatsu a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota, merging strategies and resources for better market penetration.
Today, Daihatsu remains an emblem of innovation in the compact car sector, showcasing its commitment to sustainable, affordable, and efficient mobility solutions. The union with Toyota has fortified its global presence and ensures a future of continued growth and transformation.
1951 – 1957
Following the brand’s transformation, the initial emblem bore no resemblance to the earlier Hatsudoki Seizo Co. insignias. For an extended period, Daihatsu’s forebear predominantly employed Japanese scripts, sidestepping the use of the Latin script. This trend persisted until World War II’s culmination.
However, an intriguing observation is the typographical design of the ‘Daihatsu’ label, conceived in 1951. It evokes the essence of hieroglyphics. The English characters have been intricately crafted, mirroring an Eastern flair. This is evident from the graceful lines reminiscent of traditional brush strokes. The vibrant red typography is encompassed within a similarly hued oval boundary, featuring extended ends.
1957 – 1974
During the twilight of the 1950s, the brand introduced a fresh emblem encompassing its moniker. The name transitioned to a typographic, slanted style. Every character is uppercase, showcased in pristine white against a crimson backdrop. This particular design anchors itself on a quadrilateral framework characterized by serrated borders and a distinct triangular extension at its base. The overall appearance subtly evokes the imagery of an unfurled tome.
1974 – 1998
Throughout its evolution, the enterprise displayed a penchant for experimenting with typography, eventually settling on blocky, unembellished letterforms. However, the pivotal shift in its brand identity emerged in 1974 when Daihatsu unveiled an artfully conceived “D” emblem. This design element, reminiscent of a rocket’s forefront, is crafted from a solitary line contorted at multiple junctures. To accentuate its presence, the emblem, painted in stark white, is nestled within a prominent crimson rectangular backdrop. Complementing this, the car manufacturer’s moniker, adorned in a rich red hue, graces the lower section.
1998 – Today
The iconic D-inspired emblem resonated so profoundly with the audience that the firm chose to retain it. Yet, they didn’t shun their affinity for typographic exploration. The lettering evolved, shedding its blocky demeanor, morphing into a more refined and svelte design. The line width showcased varied dimensions, and the design maintained its absence of serifs. This progression underscored the company’s commitment to melding tradition with innovation, all the while ensuring a touch of modern flair.
