Daihatsu undergoes major revamp

MANILA: Daihatsu Motor Company is set to undergo a major overhaul after the brand had procedural irregularities in certification applications.

In a press conference, Toyota and its subsidiary company announced that Daihatsu chairman Sunao Matsubayashi, and president Soichiro Okudaira shall step down from their respective posts beginning March 1, 2024.

Meanwhile, Masahiro Inoue shall take the helm as Daihatsu president and will lead the revamped team.

Currently, Inoue is Toyota Latin America and Caribbean Region’s chief executive officer.

“Daihatsu has decided to make the following appointments to its Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2024. From now on, under the new structure, we will thoroughly implement measures to prevent recurrence and work toward Daihatsu’s future revitalization. Toyota Motor Corporation will also continue to support the new Daihatsu,” Daihatsu explained in a press statement.

Meanwhile, Daihatsu has been removed from the Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) following the former’s request.

Daihatsu said that CJPT has decided to accept its request.

In a separate press release, the mother company noted that the subsidiary will be excluded from all agreements, including the joint planning agreement. In addition, Daihatsu's 10-percent equity stake in CJPT will be transferred to Toyota Motor Corporation.

The same measures will also be taken for Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Asia Company, Limited — a new company that was established in Thailand in 2023.

To note, Daihatsu joined CJPT in July 2021 with the aim of accelerating efforts toward carbon neutrality through the diffusion of CASE technologies in mini vehicles.

Screenshots from Daihatsu Youtube page

Also read:

MLIT revokes certification of select Toyota, Daihatsu, Mazda models

Daihatsu to follow MLIT directive regarding irregularity issues

 Toyota to support Daihatsu in irregularity ordeal