Tokyo Preview: Daihatsu to show e:S concept with auto start/stop

While almost every foreign automaker has bailed out of next week's Tokyo Motor Show, Japanese domestic companies, including Daihatsu, will be there in force. Most Americans probably won't recognize that brand, but cars from Daihatsu were sold here under that name for several years in the late '80s and early '90s. Since withdrawing from this market, Toyota has taken a majority stake in the company and has used Diahatsu to build some cars, including the first-generation Scion xB.
In Tokyo, Daihatsu will show half a dozen concepts including a "kei" class car called the e:S for eco and smart. Like all other "kei" cars, the smartly styled e:S is powered by a 660cc engine. It rides on an 85.6 inch wheelbase and offers seating for four (although those in the back will have to be really, really small. The e:S also gets an automatic start-stop system and Daihatsu claims it gets 70.5 mpg (U.S.) on the Japanese 10-15 drive cycle. That cycle is notoriously optimistic, so real world results should be more like 45-55 mpg. Daihatsu has also used a number of lightweight components to get the mass of the concept down to just over 1,500 pounds.

[Source: Daihatsu]

press release

Daihatsu to Exhibit the e:S, Tanto Exe
and other vehicles at Tokyo Motor Show

DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (Daihatsu) plans to exhibit six concept cars of four different vehicle series and nine production vehicles along with new technologies at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show to be held from October 24 to November 4 at the International Convention Complex (Makuhari Messe) in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture.

The Daihatsu Group slogan "Innovation for Tomorrow" will serve as the overall theme, while each exhibit will express the keywords for mini vehicles: eco, lifestyles, and fun.

Of the vehicles that will be on display, the e:S focuses earnestly on the impact that automobiles have on the environment and embodies the roles that mini vehicles should play. In order to maximize the underlying superior environmental performance of mini vehicles, the e:S successfully achieves high fuel efficiency of 30km/liter^* through state-of-the-art improvements to existing technologies.

The Tanto Exe, based on the Tanto, which continues to enjoy strong sales, features a lighter body and higher fuel efficiency, as well as superior styling, a luxurious feel and a high level of comfort. It was developed with an expansive interior for use by a diverse range of drivers in a wide range of situations. Daihatsu plans a market release for the Tanto Exe in the future.

The Deca Deca was designed with leisure use in mind and maximizes utility, while the "basket" supports a slow pace of life in close contact with nature. Both models propose new possibilities for mini vehicles.

Concept vehicle

1. e:S (eco & smart)