Sales volume of leading kei car brands in Japan 2022

In 2022, Daihatsu sold about 539 thousand kei cars, thus remaining the leading mini car manufacturer in Japan. Known as kei cars in Japan, the often box-shaped light motor passenger vehicles are a distinctive feature of the domestic automotive market scarcely sold outside of the country.

A large selection of mini-sized vehicles

Wholly-owned Toyota Motor Corporation subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. specializes in light motor vehicle production. Daihatsu’s line-up includes a segment of mini sized assisted-mobility vehicles, allowing easier access for wheelchair users. Besides mini passenger cars, the company offers a variety of mini-sized commercial vehicles (trucks and vans).

Big profits through small cars

While Daihatsu is the most successful automotive brand in terms of overall mini car sales, the best-selling kei car model of 2021 was produced by Honda. All of the country’s major automobile makers, catering to the continuing domestic demand of light motor vehicles, engage in kei car production.