Daihatsu has stressed the advantages of buying one of its compact cars during these cash-conscious credit crunch times.
Used Daihatsu dealers, like other dealers, are reporting that customers are placing greater emphasis on factors such as excellent fuel economy, low emissions and smaller road fund licences as disposable incomes dwindle.
Many Daihatsu cars tick the right boxes on drivers’ checklists. For instance, a Sirion 1.0-litre model only attracts £35 per year excise duty and the Terios 4X4 has vehicle excise duty of only £170.00.
Paul Tunnicliffe, managing director, Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors, commented that the company is aiming to become the world’s leading compact car maker through practicality, innovation and imagination.
Mr Tunnicliffe believes that climate change issues and shifting consumer values have helped put compact cars "in the spotlight".
He said: "This is an age with many issues. Big is not better anymore. Rather, small is smart. Our cars are friendly to the environment as well as being people friendly."
Written by Steven Keel
The operations director of Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors Limited has been extolling the virtue of the Daihatsu Terios’s "great value and low running costs" – attributes which make it an attractive proposition for used Daihatsu fans.
Paul Hegarty said: "In this extraordinary economic situation, our cars have never made more sense. Daihatsus have an enviable reputation for reliability and economy."
To get an idea of how much a used Terios will set you back, it is worth noting that the range starts at just £12,725 for the prize-winning Terios S. Running costs are kept manageable thanks to low emissions that start from 185 g/km meaning that the model falls into the Vehicle Excise Duty band E – its Road Fund Licence will only set you back £170.
Air conditioning and reverse parking sensors come as standard on all Terios, as do electric mirrors, electric windows and front and rear and remote central locking.
Factor in its compact size (it’s a little shorter than a VW Golf) and a turning circle superior to some superminis and the reason it could be a sound used car buy becomes apparent.
Written by Trevor Coffee
Torquay couple Sheila and Phil Scott have become a familiar sight around the streets of Torquay, in a Lamborghini mauve-coloured Daihatsu Materia that they use for fundraising activities.
Used Daihatsu dealers are unlikely to stock such a distinctively-coloured car, the Scotts had to take their vehicle to the local spray shop to achieve the mauve hue.
The couple are already well-known in Torquay thanks to their Christmas fund-raising efforts which have raised thousands of pounds for Goa’s destitute children and earned the couple the affectionate nicknames Mr and Mrs Christmas.
The Materia’s sliding and reclining rear seats were deciding factors when the Scotts made their new purchase as these features make it the ideal car for transporting presents for the Goa children.
The couple said: "Our excellent deal with Daihatsu has made us two very happy motorists. We have the whole package – reliability, great build quality and a great-looking car. We wouldn’t buy anything else."
Their local spray shop still thinks they’re "potty" for choosing the mauve colour though.
If the Materia’s £10,770 starting price is out of your reach, you could always consider buying a used Daihatsu instead. Its greater age should ensure that it is subject to lower Vehicle Excise Duty.
Written by Peter Sweden
Daihatsu has announced plans to launch a new campaign to emphasise the low running costs of its cars.
The National Cheaper Motoring Campaign will be run by all 120 Daihatsu dealer networks in the UK and will be further publicised through the use of regional advertising.
Central to the argument is that Daihatsu cars offer "excellent fuel economy, low Road Fund Licences, five-year warranty and proven reliability" – making them attractive financial packages.
One such example is the Sirion 1.0 litre supermini, which runs at 56.5 mpg Combined and qualifies for a £35 annual Road Fund Licence.
"Our cars are perfectly tuned for these challenging times. Thanks to competitive pricing such as £7,995 on-the-road for our Sirion 1.0S, low running costs and proven reliability, Daihatsu is enjoying a great 2008," commented Paul Tunnicliffe, managing director of Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors Limited.
"This latest campaign should help continue our growth where we expect to enjoy both repeat business from satisfied customers and new sales to those seeking excellent value for money."
In Which? magazine’s Car Awards 2008, Daihatsu finished in the top three in the most reliable car makers category.
A generous car dealership – Greenway Motors – has given the Chard &
Tatworth First Responders a new Daihatsu Terios.
The community ‘First Responders’ work in conjunction with the 999
service to provide 24-hour cover in rural locations and support the
regular Ambulance Service. They can attend more quickly, by living
locally, than an ambulance, despatched from a central depot, can arrive.
Clive Merrifield, the sales manager at Greenways Motors, Taunton, said:
"The support of a Daihatsu Terios will guarantee the service they
require through the rough terrain, including flooding, in the area."
Tracey Hobbs, Chard & Tatworth First Responders coordinator, said:
"First responders are all volunteers and provide cover on a rota system
organised by local community based groups.
"They dedicate their own free-time to training in order to not only help
save lives, but also by raising funds to pay for all the necessary
equipment."
The Daihatsu Terios won 4×4 Magazine’s ‘Budget Class Winner’ award in
2007 and 2008.
A new range of accessories have been released for the Daihatsu Materia mini-MPV.
Drivers of the 1.5-litre five-door can pick up a rear spoiler for £200 and a twin exhaust for £270.
In addition, 17 ins spring alloy wheels come at £240, while a full leather trim interior sets motorists back a cool £1,050 – although it is fitted.
Daihatsu commented that the extras come as the vehicle has attracted a cult following in the United States and Japan.
People in the UK can find the vehicle priced from £10,995, with the firm championing its aesthetic qualities.
It said: "Its boxy yet wide and squat design liberates outstanding interior space within dimensions similar to the Vauxhall Meriva and Renault Modus."
Daihatsu Motor Company was established in 1907 and has based its business around the manufacture of compact cars.
On its website, the firm states: "Big is not better anymore. Rather, small is smart."
Japanese firm Daihatsu is celebrating its centenary with the release of two limited edition vehicles.
Dealers will be supplied with 100 units of the Terios mini-SUV and the Sirion supermini, with both expected to sell out before the end of September 2007.
The Terios Centenary model is based on the entry-level Terios S. It comes in metallic silver paint, alloy wheels and roof rails and costs £12,695 on the road.
Meanwhile, the Sirion Centenary is modelled on the entry-level S vehicle and is also kitted in silver metallic paint and can be bought ready to go for £7,395.
While the name Daihatsu was not used for some time, the celebration commemorates the arrival of its forerunner Hatsudoki Seizo Company, which was established in 1907.
The name Daihatsu was formed from the first characters of the kanji words for Osaka and engine manufacture. It was first used in 1951.
Daihatsu has celebrated the fact that it has achieved record sales this year, saying that its appeal to customers is now "stronger than ever".
So far this year, the Japanese manufacturer has experienced 53.3 per cent growth in sales and there are no signs of demand slowing.
Some 1,464 Daihatsu cars have been sold so far this year, with 1,024 registrations made in March alone – a 61 per cent increase on the 637 units registered in March 2006.
Paul Tunnicliffe, managing director of Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors, described this record as "even better news than it first appears", owing to the limited stock that some dealers have had to work with this year.
He added: "With ever-rising motoring costs and greater emphasis on environmental issues, Daihatsu’s appeal as a value-for-money, fuel-efficient manufacturer is stronger than ever."
Operations director Paul Hagerty also set out the company’s ambitions for the future, saying that it plans to work in close partnership with its dealer network to foster further growth and profitability.
Daihatsu’s Copen model has been revitalised with a new engine and an "ultra competitive" reduced price of £10,995 on the road.
This is £2,500 less than the original model, introduced in 2004, which attracted an enthusiastic fan club that was won over by its "cute, timeless looks, effortless electric metal folding roof and nimble handling", according to Daihatsu.
The new 1.3-litre engine is described as "punchy" but "more frugal" than the previous model, with higher gearing to enhance refinement.
It was originally designed only for the Japanese Kei-car market until Daihatsu’s UK importer negotiated the reengineering of the turbo petrol unit to comply with European requirements.
Aesthetically a minor change has been implemented in the form of a small rear boot spoiler and a range of new colours.
Paul Tunnicliffe, managing director of Daihatsu, said: "We are all car enthusiasts here at Daihatsu and were instrumental in bringing the original model to market in the UK.
"With this lively new engine and a highly competitive price, we are delighted not only to have a ‘halo’ model in our range but to be able to offer fellow enthusiasts such a characterful and affordable fun car."
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